Ballymena Habitat ReStore wins two major awards for environmental work and community impact
Habitat Ireland staff picked up two awards at the annual SENI awards
Monday 26 October 2026
A Ballymena social enterprise helping families improve their homes for less while reducing waste has scooped two major honours at the 2026 Social Enterprise Northern Ireland Awards.
Habitat ReStore, based at Bridge Retail Park on the Larne Road, was named Environmental/Circular Social Enterprise of the Year and also received the Social Impact Award, recognising its contribution to communities and the environment.
The double success celebrates the work of the local store, which combines affordable home improvement materials with volunteering, training and opportunities for people to develop new skills.
Helping households save money and reduce waste
Habitat ReStore operates as a low-cost DIY store, selling donated new and used building supplies and home improvement materials at affordable prices.
The initiative helps households make improvements to their homes without the expense of buying everything new, while giving reusable materials a second life instead of sending them to landfill.
Alongside its retail operation, ReStore provides skills development and employability training for people of different ages and backgrounds, helping participants gain experience and improve their employment prospects.
The Ballymena store forms part of Habitat for Humanity Ireland's wider work to tackle poverty and build more sustainable communities.
Recognition for staff and volunteers
Chief Executive of Habitat for Humanity Ireland, Jenny Williams, welcomed the double award success and paid tribute to the people who make the organisation's work possible.
She said: “We are excited that the impact of Habitat ReStore was recognised by two SENI awards. The awards belong to our dedicated staff team and hundreds of volunteers who help deliver real change for people, communities and the planet. Together with committed donors and thousands of customers we build sustainable communities.”
The awards recognise both sides of ReStore's mission: reducing environmental waste through reuse and recycling, and making a positive difference to people's lives through affordable products, volunteering and training.
How to support Habitat ReStore Ballymena
Local residents can support the social enterprise by shopping at the store, donating suitable materials or giving their time as volunteers.
• Location: Bridge Retail Park, Larne Road, Ballymena.
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9.30am–5pm.
• Get involved: Shop, donate or volunteer.
• Website: habitatireland.org/restore
For Ballymena, the double award success highlights the value of a community-focused business that helps people stretch household budgets, creates opportunities to develop skills and keeps useful materials out of landfill.
