The Bridge Association reaches final stage of BBC Make a Difference Award competition

A Derry-based charity supporting adults with learning disabilities has been shortlisted for the Northern Ireland Community Group Award.

By Emma McCann1 min read

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Floyd & Opal Jensen received the 2014 Making A Difference Lifetime Achievement Award for contributing more than 17,000 hours for 13 years at Fishermen's Bend Campground in Oregon. File photograph. Picture: BLM Oregon & Washington · licence

The not-for-profit organisation The Bridge Association in County Antrim has advanced to the final round of the BBC Make a Difference Award competition.

It is competing in the Community Group Award category across Northern Ireland.

Founded by David Edmont and Jacqueline Barnes, the centre currently supports 43 adults with learning disabilities.

Staff members at the organisation include Thomas Murray, who has worked as a trainee for more than 15 years.

The group provides work experience opportunities in retail, horticulture and catering sectors.

Two social enterprise projects operate from the Antrim site: the Quirky Emporium and Hug a Mug Café.

Those responsible for running the centre stated they had no knowledge of who submitted their application.

The charity has been dedicated to inspiring adults with learning disabilities for over three decades.