BBC Northern Ireland Make a Difference Awards 2026 winners revealed

A grieving mother who turned the loss of her 11-year-old daughter into a campaign for stronger school bus safety measures is among numerous nominees going the extra mile to improve the lives of people in their communities.

The winners were announced live on BBC Radio Ulster on Vinny & Cate's Friday morning show.

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

This is the second year of the awards in Northern Ireland and since March, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Foyle have received hundreds of nominations from across the country.

This year's winners include a young volunteer helping disabled people enjoy live events, a school pupil championing inclusion for neurodivergent children a charity helping families navigate bereavement.

Awarded to an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community.

This award was judged by former Irish League football player and manager Liam Beckett MBE.

Its winner, Mencap NI's Healthier Me Ambassadors, use sport and fitness to tackle health inequalities experienced by people with learning disabilities.

The ambassadors help build confidence, challenge perceptions about who can take part in sport and have inspired more than 40 people with a learning disability to participate in this year's Belfast City Marathon.

The Young Hero Award was judged by model, presenter and disability advocate, Bernadette Hagans.

It is awarded to someone aged under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.

Antrim-boy Ollie Harbinson won for supporting children in his school as a 'playground pal', helping pupils with social communication difficulties and autism to feel included, valued and understood.

Harbinson said winning the award "is a sign of development" for him and "nice".

This was awarded to an individual or group of people who improve or conserve their local environment.

Winner Daniel McAfee is a dedicated wildlife volunteer and a leading member of the Glens Red Squirrel Group.

He shares his knowledge and passion for nature through school visits, talks and guided wildlife walks.

Alongside his work in red squirrel conservation, Daniel is involved in protecting swifts and bats, organising tree-planting projects and encouraging young people to connect with the natural world.

His award was judged by filmmaker and Youtuber Stephen J Reid.

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

It was judged by broadcaster Julian Simmons with Noah Holden taking home the prize.

Noah has volunteered with AccessoLoo since he was 14, helping disabled people enjoy concerts, festivals and creative events across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Living with autism, epilepsy and dyslexia himself, Noah makes a practical and meaningful difference helping ensure that more people can take part in the events they love.

This was won by Little Forget Me Nots Trust in Lurgan.

It has become a lifeline for families navigating baby loss, offering compassion, connection and practical support at a time when parents can feel most alone.

Providing an understanding space for grieving families, it helps parents, children and wider families find comfort, connection and support as they heal.

BBC broadcaster Holly Hamilton judged this award.

Louise Taylor, founder of Little Forget Me Nots Trust, said she "cannot believe" that they won the award and that she is "so proud" of all the staff.

Judged by comedian Emer Maguire, this award was given to either a remarkable animal that improves people's lives, or an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals.

It was won by Sebastian the NSPCC Young Witness Service Therapy Dog.

Belfast dog Sebastian provides emotional support to children and young people attending criminal court.

Megan Rush, who is a practitioner with the Young Witness Service, said she is a "very proud human" for Sebastian.

"He just makes such a difference to victims and witnesses."

This was awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause.

County Tyrone singer-songwriter, broadcaster and presenter Malachi Cush presented this award.

The winner was the David James Richmond Foundation in Newtownabbey.

Following David Richmond's sudden death in 2024, his family set up The David James Richmond Foundation.

Its fundraising activities have helped install more than 13 community defibrillators and deliver CPR and defibrillator training.

BBC News NI weather presenter Barra Best made up the last of the judges as he decided who would win the Great Neighbour Award.

This award is given to an individual who helps to make their neighbourhood a better place to live or work in.

Winner Stella McGinn turned the devastating loss of her 11-year-old daughter into a campaign for stronger school bus safety measures.

Through advocacy and community initiatives in her daughter's memory, Stella continues to support others while campaigning to improve school bus safety across Northern Ireland.