Ben is crowned Campaigner of the Year at Smart Recovery Volunteer Awards

LOCAL man, Ben Delija, has been announced as 'Campaigner of the Year' at the recent Smart Recovery UK and Ireland Volunteer Recognition Awards.

The prestigious ceremony was held on Monday, September 30 and Ben, as the winner of the category, was recognised as being 'someone who stands out in promoting SMART Recovery through social or traditional media, at events and in their local community and/or someone who drives fundraising efforts'.

Ben is a Smart Recovery champion and facilitator in Northern Ireland and has facilitated support meetings in Ballymena and the Northern Trust area by using the evidenced four-point programme to empower people and help them work towards abstinence from all substances.

Ben is also a familiar face in the Ballymena area, having worked in the town's Hope Centre as a Project Co-ordinator and Addiction Project Development Worker.

Last year, Ben stepped out for the ‘Unite for Recovery’ worldwide campaign.

He walked over 125 miles in 31 days, well surpassing his £100 fundraising target and raised hundreds of pounds for the charity.

Ben's walks saw him venture to some of the North Coast's beauty spots such as the Giant's Causeway, the Dark Hedges, Ballintoy and Ballycastle Marina.

Speaking about Ben's recent award, Janine Crowdy - SMART Veterans UK SMART Recovery, said: "It was an honour and a privilege to write and deliver this to you at the awards Ben Delija MNCPS (Accred)!

"Ben’s commitment and dedication were exemplified through the Unite for Recovery campaign, where he not only smashed his fundraising target but became the top fundraiser by a significant margin.

"Every single day, rain or shine, Ben was out there walking, sharing his journey on social media, and inspiring so many with his relentless energy and passion. He brought in countless donations, not just by miles walked, but by inspiring us all with his unwavering commitment to the cause.

"Ben didn't just participate - he lived and breathed this campaign. Whether it was writing SMART in the sand, waving the banner, or proudly wearing the t-shirt, he gave it his all, 110%. His enthusiasm was infectious, and we were so fortunate to have him on board.

"His daily social media posts were nothing short of phenomenal, reaching hundreds of people and capturing the attention of some very influential figures within the Irish health and social care system.

“Ben brought SMART Recovery to life in beautiful and meaningful ways, chronicling his journey on beaches, pathways, and towns.

“His posts weren’t just about his own efforts - he uplifted others, sharing motivational quotes and reminding us all of the power of tenacity and determination.

"But Ben’s dedication doesn’t end with this campaign. His work with SMART Recovery extends across the Irish border counties, delivering support to both individuals and groups, day in and day out.

"He is a true champion of balanced lives, and anyone who meets him can attest to his positivity and his infectious spirit. Ben inspires all of us to be better, to help others, and to give everything we can to the cause.

"Ben, you are a compassionate, hardworking, and dedicated campaigner, and it’s no exaggeration to say that you’ve helped countless people through your work. You’ve shown us all what it means to give your all, and for that, we are deeply grateful. Congratulations, Ben, on being named the SMART Recovery Campaigner of the Year. You’ve truly earned it!"

Speaking to the Ballymena Guardian, Ben said: "I felt very humbled to win the award and I dedicate this award to all those clients that have worked and continue working suffering from addiction.

"I have been a SMART Recovery champion and facilitator since 2018 and delivered Smart meetings in Coleraine and continue to deliver meetings with Extern in Ballymena.

"As a counsellor, I am carrying hope for people, promoting that recovery is possible.

"There is hope over addiction and there is help out there. "

SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery is a free self-help, mutual support programme that helps people work together to examine or change addictive behaviours.

SMART, which has helped over 5,000 people a week in the UK since it was founded nearly 20 years ago, coincides with the launch of its new global fundraising campaign, Unite for Recovery.

In Northern Ireland, alcohol harm costs the public purse an estimated £900 million each year, up to 42,000 people are 'problem' gamblers' and drug misuse continues to be a significant public health issue.

The societal impacts of addiction, ranging from poor mental and physical health, family breakdown and devastation to billions lost in the economic impact are severe.

With just a small fraction of people in treatment, Unite for Recovery aims to smash addiction related stigma to get more people living a balanced life.

Supported by big high street names including NatWest, Clintons and Morgan Sindall, the campaign is challenging people to get active by walking.

Charlie Orton, Chief Executive of UK SMART Recovery said: “Analysis shows that drug addiction hasbeen rated as the most stigmatised condition, followed closely by alcohol addiction which has been rated fourth.

“This stigma creates feelings of shame, guilt and fear, emotions that are often so strong that they will delay people seeking help when they need it, alarmingly, in many instances for up to five or six years.

"By beginning conversations about addiction, we hope to change this depressing status quo so we can create a

healthier environment for people to step forwards and get the help they need to live life beyond addiction.”