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Thursday , September 17 2026

BBC Northern Ireland Make a Difference Award winners revealed

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Support 2gether Group leader Ciara is holding the camera. She has short blonde hair and is taking a selfie  with four women in the background. Four of the women are wearing pink tops with the charity logo. There are crafts on the table. Support 2gether

Support2gether helps mothers facing postnatal or antenatal depression

A 91-year-old community worker, a teenage environmentalist and a therapy dog are among the winners of this year’s BBC Make A Difference Awards in Northern Ireland.

The awards recognise and celebrate members of the public who make life better for others where they live.

Finalists were selected by a panel of judges in eight different categories.

The winners were announced live on BBC Radio Ulster and Radio Foyle on the Vinny & Cate morning show.

The finalists were brought together in a large studio at the BBC in Belfast to hear the announcements.

A woman with short dark hair is smiling at the camera. She is wearing a peach coloured jacket and has a silver pendant shaped necklace on

Bridie McCullagh organises fundraising events to keep the local community centre running

The winners were:

  • Volunteer Award: 91-year-old Lucy McMullan who has run Caledon Open Door Club in County Tyrone for more than 40 years.
  • Young Hero Award: 13-year-old Seanain McCallion who has raised almost £10,000 for children’s charities and inspires others with her positive attitude to life.
  • Great Neighbour Award: Bridie McCullagh who brings people together through the Rouskey Community Group in County Tyrone.
  • Active Award: 16-year-old Jennifer Smyth who turned adversity into action by establishing Northern Ireland’s first neuro-focused gym.
  • Animal Award: Therapy dog Pluto who supports student well-being at St Kevin’s College, Lisnaskea, in County Fermanagh.
  • Green Award: Teenager Aimee Mallon who established an environmental group – Soil Sisters – at St Cecilia’s College in Londonderry to provide a green, nurturing space.
  • Fundraiser Award: 80-year-old Des Keenan who has quietly transformed lives through tireless fundraising, founding care services and creating shared spaces.
  • Community Group Award: Support2gether who help mothers facing postnatal or antenatal depression, providing counselling and educational outreach.
St. Kevin's College Black dog with grey harness sitting looking at the camera on a concrete tiled area. St. Kevin’s College

Pluto is described as a beacon of strength, companionship, and unconditional love

The search for this year’s winners began in February, as BBC teams in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales asked audiences to nominate the unsung heroes in their local communities who do amazing things.

The winners were chosen by judges including the broadcaster Holly Hamilton, actress Kerri Quinn and former Northern Ireland football captain Marissa Callaghan.


BBC News

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