Eight individuals and groups have been recognised for their exceptional contributions to their communities across Northern Ireland, with winners spanning categories from environmental conservation to bereavement support and disability advocacy. The honours were announced live on 25 September via a national broadcaster's Vinny & Cate's Friday morning show, concluding a year-long initiative that drew hundreds of nominations from across the region.
Among the recipients is Stella McGinn, who transformed her grief following the death of her 11-year-old daughter into a sustained campaign for improved school bus safety standards. Through advocacy work and community initiatives established in her daughter's memory, McGinn has become a leading voice for transport safety reform across Northern Ireland, while continuing to support other bereaved families navigating similar losses.
The awards represent the second iteration of the scheme in Northern Ireland. Nominations opened on 23 February and closed on 31 March, with a panel of judges selecting finalists across eight distinct categories. The broadcast remains available for 29 days via a national broadcaster's audio platform, allowing those who missed the live announcement to hear the winners' stories.
What categories were awarded?
The eight award categories recognised different forms of community contribution, each judged by a prominent public figure with relevant expertise or experience.
The Active Award: Mencap NI's Healthier Me Ambassadors
This category honours individuals or groups who employ physical activity and sport to enhance community wellbeing. Former Irish League football player and manager Liam Beckett MBE presided as judge.
The winning Healthier Me Ambassadors programme uses sport and fitness initiatives to address health disparities affecting people with learning disabilities. The ambassadors work to build confidence among participants, challenge misconceptions about who can engage in sporting activities, and have motivated more than 40 individuals with learning disabilities to take part in the 2026 Belfast City Marathon.
The Young Hero Award: Ollie Harbinson
Presented to individuals under 16 who have made a measurable positive impact in their community or achieved something noteworthy, this award was judged by model, presenter and disability advocate Bernadette Hagans.
Antrim resident Ollie Harbinson won recognition for his work as a 'playground pal' within his school, supporting pupils with social communication difficulties and autism. His efforts have helped these children feel included, valued and understood within the school environment. Harbinson described winning the award as
a sign of developmentfor him and said it was
nice.
The Environmental Award: Daniel McAfee
This award recognises individuals or groups dedicated to improving or conserving their local environment. Filmmaker and YouTuber Stephen J Reid judged the category.
Daniel McAfee, a committed wildlife volunteer and prominent member of the Glens Red Squirrel Group, took the prize. He disseminates his knowledge and enthusiasm for nature through school visits, public talks and guided wildlife walks. Beyond red squirrel conservation work, McAfee participates in swift and bat protection initiatives, organises tree-planting schemes and encourages young people to develop connections with the natural world.
The Volunteer Award: Noah Holden
Awarded to individuals who contribute significant voluntary time to benefit their community, this category was judged by broadcaster Julian Simmons.
Noah Holden has volunteered with AccessoLoo since age 14, assisting disabled people in accessing concerts, festivals and creative events throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Living with autism, epilepsy and dyslexia himself, Holden provides practical and meaningful support to ensure that more individuals can participate fully in the events they wish to attend.
The Community Group Award: Little Forget Me Nots Trust
This honour recognises organisations making a substantial difference within their communities. Broadcaster Holly Hamilton judged the category.
Little Forget Me Nots Trust in Lurgan has become an essential resource for families experiencing baby loss, offering compassion, connection and practical assistance during one of life's most isolating periods. The organisation provides a compassionate space where parents, children and extended families can discover comfort, connection and support as they process their grief and begin to heal.
Louise Taylor, the trust's founder, expressed her disbelief at winning, stating she is
so proudof all the staff members who make the organisation's work possible.
The Animal Award: Sebastian the Therapy Dog
This category honours either a remarkable animal that enriches people's lives or individuals and groups working to improve animal welfare. Comedian Emer Maguire served as judge.
Sebastian, a therapy dog working with the NSPCC Young Witness Service, won the award. Based in Belfast, Sebastian provides emotional support to children and young people attending criminal court proceedings. Megan Rush, a practitioner with the Young Witness Service, described herself as
a very proud humanfor Sebastian, noting that
he just makes such a difference to victims and witnesses.
The Fundraiser Award: David James Richmond Foundation
Presented to individuals or groups who have made exceptional fundraising efforts for charitable causes, this award was presented by County Tyrone singer-songwriter, broadcaster and presenter Malachi Cush.
The David James Richmond Foundation in Newtownabbey received the honour. Established by David Richmond's family following his sudden death in 2024, the foundation has channelled its fundraising activities into installing more than 13 community defibrillators and delivering CPR and defibrillator training to members of the public.
The Great Neighbour Award: Stella McGinn
This award recognises individuals who work to improve their neighbourhood as a place to live and work. NI weather presenter Barra Best judged the final category.
Stella McGinn transformed the devastating loss of her 11-year-old daughter into a sustained campaign for stronger school bus safety measures. Through advocacy and community initiatives undertaken in her daughter's memory, McGinn continues to support other bereaved families while pushing for improved school bus safety standards across Northern Ireland.
How did the awards come about?
The awards were established as part of a wider BBC Make a Difference campaign designed to recognise people making positive contributions to their communities. A national broadcaster's Radio Ulster and Radio Foyle stations handled nominations across Northern Ireland, receiving hundreds of entries from members of the public.
All 32 Northern Ireland finalists were confirmed in June, with four finalists selected in each of the eight categories. The finalists represented a diverse range of community contributions, from established organisations like The Bridge Association and Cancer Fund for Children Carefree Choir to individual volunteers and emerging community leaders.
Key Facts
- Eight award categories recognised different forms of community contribution, each with a prominent public figure as judge
- The scheme drew hundreds of nominations from across Northern Ireland via a national broadcaster's Radio Ulster and Radio Foyle
- Winners span categories including environmental conservation, disability support, bereavement assistance, animal welfare and fundraising
- This marks the second year the awards have been held in Northern Ireland as part of a wider UK-wide recognition scheme
- The live announcement broadcast on 25 September remains available for 29 days via audio platform
