Group inspiring adults with learning difficulties celebrates award nomination
The not‑for‑profit group has made it to the final in the Community Group Award category for Northern Ireland.
The Bridge Association in County Antrim is a finalist in the Community Group Award category for Northern Ireland. Those behind the centre say they've no idea who put them forward.
Thomas Murray has been a trainee The Bridge Association for more than 15 years.
For him the organisation's message is simple: "Always try your best and look to the future."
Murray describes it as "a big family, with lots of love and headed up by the big bosses David and Jacqueline".
"If I was at home I would just be sitting watching TV, I'd miss this place," he said.
The organisation provides opportunities in retail, horticulture and catering, running two social enterprise projects — the Quirky Emporium and Hug a Mug Café in Antrim.
Founded by David Edmont and Jacqueline Barnes, it supports 43 adults.
They hope to accommodate more adults when their "forever home" at a new premises in the town is complete.
Edmont said the long term goal is to equip adults with the skills to live independently.
"Our success is when we see them living, taking that big step and living independently as a valued member of the community," he said.
