Finalists revealed for Make A Difference Awards in Northern Ireland

All 32 finalists have now been confirmed for the 2026 BBC Make A Difference Awards in Northern Ireland.

This is the second year of the awards in Northern Ireland and since March this year there have been hundreds of nominations from the public, celebrating local heroes across the community. A judging panel of BBC representatives and members of the public has now shortlisted 32 outstanding finalists.

Representing people from all walks of life, the finalists highlight the powerful impact individuals and groups can have within their communities. From an 11-year-old Young Hero to fundraisers in their 80s, each nominee has made a meaningful and lasting difference.

Across eight Award categories - Volunteer, Young Hero, Great Neighbour, Active, Community Group, Animal, Environmental and Fundraiser — the finalists showcase a wide range of inspiring efforts. Some have dedicated nearly two decades to volunteering, while others are taking action in diverse ways, from clearing litter and motivating others through fitness to providing comfort as therapy animals in palliative care and within the court system.

Vinny and Cate said: “Speaking with these incredible finalists reminds you just how much quiet, everyday kindness exists across Northern Ireland. The stories we’ve heard this year have truly stayed with us - people going above and beyond, often without any recognition, simply to make life better for others.

“Being part of the Make a Difference Awards last year was such a powerful experience - a brilliant celebration of those stories, filled with warmth, pride and real joy, it made us even more excited to be involved again. We know this year’s ceremony will be just as special.

“We feel genuinely honoured to help shine a light on these amazing individuals. They represent the very best of us, and we can’t wait to celebrate them all in September.”

Categories and Finalists:

The Volunteer Award

Awarded to an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others.

• Joanne Adams (Cancer Friends Causeway Coast), Ballymoney
• Selina Casey (The White Butterfly Foundation), Portglenone
• Barbara Walker (NSPCC Young Witness Service), Belfast
• Noah Holden (AccessoLoo), Saintfield

The Young Hero Award

Awarded to someone under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.

• Ollie Harbinson, Antrim
• Jasmine Parker, Belfast
• Troy Alford, Dundonald
• Cathan Owens, Belfast

The Great Neighbour Award

Awarded to an individual who helps to make their neighbourhood a better place to live or work, either regularly or through a single act of kindness.

• Stella McGinn, Castledawson
• Jacqueline McDonald, Ballymartin
• Anne Bradley, Plumbridge
• Doreen Archer, Belfast

The Active Award

Awarded to an individual or group who have used physical activity or sport to improve lives within their community.

• Dorothy Johnston, Craigavon
• Alison Magee, Bangor
• Mencap NI Healthier Me Ambassadors, Belfast
• Belfast Frontrunners, Belfast

The Animal Award

Awarded to a remarkable animal that improves people’s lives, or to an individual or group that enhances animal welfare.

• Maggie Dimsdale-Bobby (Causeway Coast Dog Rescue), Coleraine
• Charlie (Palliative Care Therapy Dog), Antrim
• Foodbank volunteers from Sacred Heart Grammar (USPCA Centre), Newry
• Sebastian (NSPCC Court Therapy Dog), Belfast

The Environmental Award

Awarded to an individual or group who improve or conserve their local environment.

• Daniel McAfee, Ballycastle
• Alannah Agnew, Cookstown
• Eco Rangers NI, Carrickfergus
• Annadale Community Centre Garden Group, Belfast

The Fundraiser Award

Awarded to an individual or group who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause.

• Katrina Roxborough, Londonderry
• Jennie Wallace, Belfast
• Iris Tweed, Islandmagee
• The David James Richmond Foundation, Newtownabbey

The Community Group Award

Awarded to a group that has helped to change lives within their community.

• The Bridge Association, Antrim
• Cancer Fund for Children Carefree Choir, Dundonald
• The Little Forget Me Nots Trust, Lurgan
• CHILL (Carrickfergus Hub Improving Lives Locally), Carrickfergus

The 32 finalists will now progress to the Northern Ireland Make a Difference final, where the overall winners will be announced live on Vinny and Cate’s BBC Radio Ulster show on Friday 25 September.

• For more information, visit the BBC Make a Difference website.

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