Get voting for your favourite local group to win the Hovis Live Good Local Challenge

The three finalists have automatically won £1,000 each, to spend on the projects they highlighted in their application. The finalists will now make a short video explaining how they want to spend the £1,000 they have already won, and the additional £2,000 prize money that is to be awarded to the ultimate winner. The general public are invited to vote for their favourite video online via www.hovislivegood.com. Voting will close on 8th July at 23.59 and the ultimate winner, as voted for by the public, will be announced week ending 13 July on the website. 

Julie Anderson, Education and Progression Manager at Orchardville in Belfast says:

“We are absolutely delighted to be selected as a finalist in the Hovis® Live Good™ Local Challenge! The money will make a huge difference to our project, addressing a growing need in our community to improve wellbeing in a range of aspects of life, including physical and mental health, and social wellbeing. Orchardville supports over 250 people with a learning disability in the greater Belfast area in employment each year, and as we continue to grow, we have been able to extend our services to the areas of North Down, Bangor, Lisburn and Derry-Londonderry.

“For those who are unaware of what we do, we support adults with learning disabilities and/or Autism, so having the money to provide equipment to help them access the same services as everyone else, but in an environment they are comfortable in, will make a huge difference. Orchardville is committed to being the leading provider of opportunities to equip people with a Learning Disability or Autism to achieve their individual ambitions. Our vision is to achieve an inclusive society where equal opportunities are enjoyed by everyone.

“As we embark on the final part of the challenge, we will be creating a video which will highlight the difference this money would make to our participants and communicate our core values. These include placing the Service User at the centre of everything we do. Orchardville, Families, Employers and Funders work together to enable all users to achieve their goals and aspirations. For further information about our services, log on to www.orchardville.com or visit our Facebook page, and please take time to review our video. We will be counting on your vote.”

Julie adds: “Orchardville works with a wide range of abilities, and we adapt our service to best suit the individual needs. We support our participants through all stages of their journey with us; from the initial meeting to find out what they want to achieve, to the end of their journey, whatever that may be – paid work, gaining accredited qualifications in a vocational area, or participation in social activities to develop their confidence and independence. Callum Young, 28, from East Belfast started with Orchardville 2011 through a voluntary work placement in B&M, and we supported his journey into paid work with them through our Workable project. He now also works part time as our receptionist in Orchardville. Nathan Cheng, 28, from East Belfast has been with Orchardville for over 4 years, and he started in work placements and gained skills to progress into paid work in Burger King. He has completed various accredited training courses including managing his finances and heathy living skills. Ross Stewart, 26, from East Belfast joined Orchardville in June 2015, and has been attending our Orchard Crafts group and our TAP2 group, which promotes independence and confidence”.

Siobhan Livingstone, Treasurer of Drama Queens in Derry-Londonderry says: “We’re absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to develop our skills and stimulate other people’s interest in the creative arts, in particular everything associated with drama. Whether it is singing, dancing or writing, we have set up a group which is embarking on a journey of adventure. It is our ambition to put on a production which showcases all of these skills. Open to everyone, we have a diverse membership and are always looking for new talent. Our youngest member is 41 and our oldest is 71. We are now in the process of making a video which is part of the Hovis® Live Good Local Challenge. This will tell the story of what we do and importantly what we plan to achieve in the future, so please vote for us once the public vote opens. For anyone who would like to join Drama Queens, please email [email protected] or check out our Facebook page. We would like to extend our thanks to The Playhouse where we hold our workshops, rehearsals and showcases; Shauna Kelpie our Drama Tutor and Director and Ursula McHugh Director of The Creative Path. This was the stepping off point for the development of Drama Queens.”

Richard Mulholland, Secretary of Upperlands Football Club in Maghera says: “We are delighted to reach the final stages of the Hovis® Live Good™ Local Challenge and the club are really thrilled to bits that other people believe in what we are doing. We want to create a community group that plays football providing a mutual shared identity and develop community cohesion by putting the heart back into the community again. Our ‘Let's make Upperlands Football Club Great Again!’ Campaign has caught the imagination of the local residents. Our motto ‘To foster, develop and promote community spirit’ is at the heart of our philosophy. Upperlands Football Club appreciates the encouragement and support of the local community and are inspired by the increasing number of local businesses supporting our cause to help make Upperlands Football Club the hub of the community again. We are currently building a new senior side for the upcoming season for men. We are also currently looking to develop a veteran team and the youth academy in the near future so we can inspire children to play for our team and they will be proud to wear our famous orange and black kits.

Trevor McCrum, Commercial Director, Hovis® Ireland, explains what the challenge is all about and what’s involved in the final stage:

“Hovis® has been baking bread in Northern Ireland daily for 40 years, so we know the benefits of being part of a strong community. The Hovis® Live Good™ range was launched in February 2017, developed by our Innovation Team in Belfast. The range has the best of both worlds – all the texture, flavour and goodness* of Hovis® bread which contain from 59 calories per slice, they are also high in Vitamin D and low in saturated fat. Hovis® wants to encourage their Live Good™ consumers to look on the bright side of life, so they can enjoy more and Live Good whilst supporting their local club or group.

“We asked authorised members to nominate a group, club or non-profit organisation to take up the challenge. A judging panel, which included an independent judge, reviewed each application based on three criteria: inclusivity, community and ‘Live Good’Ness’. The three finalists are now in the process of making a video which will tell the story of what they hope to achieve with the much needed funds. The Hovis® Live Good™ Local Challenge is about supporting communities and encouraging individuals who are making a real difference to the fabric of our society to continue to do so. We know that for a lot of groups, clubs and non-profit organisations it can be difficult to secure funding and grants. A sum of £1,000 or indeed £3,000 could make a massive difference in terms of allowing a project to be delivered. A cash injection of this level could really help and we are keen to support those groups that work hard to improve lives, often with tight resources, from all parts of the community in Northern Ireland.”

The Hovis® Live Good™ Local Challenge is supported by a dynamic marketing programme including radio, outdoor, digital and in store activity. For further information, please log on to hovislivegood.com