Council’s Causeway Healthy Kids programme recognised at the 2025 APSE Awards

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s collaborative programme Causeway Healthy Kids has been recognised at the 2025 APSE Awards.

The APSE awards showcase local authorities and public-sector partners across the United Kingdom, with the aim of recognising frontline services teams as well as special initiatives.

Causeway Healthy Kids was shortlisted in the ‘Best Health and Wellbeing Initiative’ category, along with nine other fantastic finalists from across the UK. The winner’s trophy was awarded to the Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure project.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor Oliver McMullan congratulated the team saying: “What an amazing success story Causeway Healthy Kids has been, and being selected as a finalist in these prestigious awards is a real testament to all the hard work that has gone into the initiative.

“Of course, at the forefront of this collaborative project was our children and this proves that given the support, our children want to make healthy choices. Materials such as the ‘At Home Challenge Pack’ made the programme interactive for both the children and their parents which really is fantastic.

“I also extend my thanks to partners Northern Health and Social Care Trust, without whom this project would not have been possible. Causeway Healthy Kids is a real success story for everyone involved, and my deepest gratitude goes to the children and schools who have participated with such enthusiasm so far.”

Sports Development Manager, Jonathan McFadden, who led on delivery of the programme for Council who attended the awards said: “We are of course delighted to once again be recognised for Causeway Healthy Kids, and we’d like to thank APSE and also congratulate the winner and other finalists in our category.

“In developing and delivering this project in partnership with Northern Health and Social Care Trust and with the support of the Northern Healthy Lifestyles Partnership, our Council team designed a programme that has not only been successful but most importantly it was enjoyed by the children and embraced by schools which is exactly what we wanted.”

Hugh Nelson, Head of Community Wellbeing, NHSCT said: “We were delighted to learn that our collaborative Causeway Healthy Kids project has been recognised as a finalist in the 2025 APSE Awards. This project was innovative in its approach and highlights that when we work together, utilising each other’s expertise we can achieve great results.

“We are delighted with how Causeway Healthy Kids has progressed with very positive outcomes for children’s health. Congratulations to every person who has made this project the massive success.”

For more information on Causeway Healthy Kids visit: https://causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/see-do/sports-development/active-kids