Promoting Shared Communities award for Lia Bhrega Estate
The story of Drogheda’s Loving Life Choir, which was formed in conjunction with Foscadh Housing Association to distract children in Lia Bhrega Estate, from the violence of the drug feud, just keeps on getting better.
The choir came about following a chance discussion between the CEO of Foscadh Housing, Ken O Héiligh, and a group of local children during a week of extraordinary and terrifying violence in the area.
“A singing group seemed an ideal way to provide kids with a safe, friendly and inclusive space to come and sing together, make new friends, find inspiration from song lyrics and develop the confidence to face everyday challenges with a positive mind-set,” Mr. O Héiligh told Drogheda Life at the time.
That was in July 2020 and on Friday last, at a gala awards ceremony in the new Europa Hotel in Belfast, Foscadh Housing Association’s project was announced as the winner of the Promoting Shared Communities award for Lia Bhrega Estate at the 2022 Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) All Ireland Housing Awards.
Foscadh Housing received the all-Ireland recognition for its housing and community initiatives that encourage the integration of people and communities from different backgrounds.
The Loving Life community children’s choir is among the key features of the organisation’s winning entry into the CIH awards programme, showcasing the choir’s achievements in creating positive opportunities for youth participation across Drogheda.
Judges assessed entries on the basis of thoughtful development and innovative local engagement schemes to promote diversity in terms of race, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, economic status, housing tenure or other category.
Foscadh Housing CEO Ken O’Heiligh said the award was a credit to his team, the Association’s Board, the residents of Lia Bhrega and Louth County Council who together have achieved one of the most integrated housing communities in Ireland.
“By finding common ground for the diverse population, Foscadh Housing has supported the development of a flourishing community,” he said.
Speaking to Drogheda Life Ken O Heiligh CEO, said, he was honoured to attend the All-Ireland Awards 2022 on behalf of Foscadh Housing and the Loving Life Choir which is continuing to provide positive opportunities for members and foster a hopeful and inspired outlook.
Foscadh Housing was also shortlisted in two other categories, More Than Bricks and Mortar which recognises housing and related initiatives that encourage the integration of people and communities from different backgrounds, and the Housing Hero category, which celebrates outstanding individuals who have used creative approaches to solve real life housing issues they encounter.
Foscadh Housing’s winning entry as well as the two shortlisted entries will now feature in the CIH Good Practice Compendium 2022 featuring the very best achievements of housing professionals in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The CIH All Ireland Housing Awards for 2022 features 15 categories including Excellence in Leadership, Working in Partnership, Excellence in Customer Service, Promoting Shared Communities and Best Housing Story.
The awards program recognises good practice within the housing sector and celebrates the “creativity, passion, and innovation of housing organisations and individuals from across the island of Ireland.”
Here’s a reminder of the Loving Life choir in action:
For more see the Loving Life Choir Facebook & Instagram page and on the Foscadh Housing website www.foscadhhousing.ie
