New Year’s Honours for local people

Maurice Devine, from Antrim, has been awarded the MBE for Services to the Nursing Profession and the Field of Learning Disabilities.

Mr Devine is the Assistant Head, Health and Social Care Clinical Education Centre

Janet Hunter has been awarded the OBE for Services to the Community in Northern Ireland.

The Ballymena woman is Director of the Housing Rights Service.

Janet has been the Director of Housing Rights since 1994. The charity provides advice, advocacy and representation services to people who are homeless or in housing need throughout Northern Ireland.

Speaking about her award Janet said: “It has been an unexpected privilege to receive this level of recognition but it is not all about me.

“This award is a great tribute to the excellent work which Housing Rights has done over many difficult decades to help tackle the often acute, and sometimes unique, housing problems of people living in NI.”

Gráinne Walsh, Chairperson of Housing Rights, added: “I am delighted by this recognition of Janet’s commitment to improving the lives of people who are struggling with homelessness or housing problems.  

“I know that Janet would want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Housing Rights team who have worked alongside her over the last 21 years. In focusing on Housing Rights vision when everyone has a home, Janet’s thoughtful leadership is inspiring to anyone who knows her.”