Local Charity Finalist for BBC Make a Difference Award

The Bridge Association, a dedicated organization in County Antrim, has been recognized as a finalist for the BBC Make a Difference Award in the Community Group category for Northern Ireland. For more than three decades, the association has been instrumental in inspiring adults with learning disabilities, providing them with essential skills and opportunities.

Founded by David Edmont and Jacqueline Barnes, The Bridge Association currently supports 43 adults, offering training in areas such as retail, horticulture, and catering through its two social enterprise projects, the Quirky Emporium and Hug a Mug Café in Antrim. The organization is actively working towards expanding its capacity by moving to a new, larger premises.

Their long-term objective is to equip adults with the skills necessary for independent living, celebrating successes such as writing one's name or reading a message. The association finds immense reward in witnessing individuals take significant steps towards becoming valued, independent members of the community. The nomination has come as a pleasant surprise, with organizers expressing humility and considering themselves winners through their daily impact.