The Wise Men of the East Network won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service this year, and held a celebration event on Friday 30th November when they received their award from Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Finnoula Jay-O’Boyle CBE.

The men were awarded this prestigious honour for all the good work they have been doing, specifically targeting isolation in older men through the East Belfast Wise Men’s Shed. They offer a safe and comfortable space for men aged 50 and over to engage with other like-minded men. The Network is supported by East Belfast Community Development Agency who coordinate the delivery of various health programmes and also apply for funding for the group.