Winners of BBC Northern Ireland Make a Difference Awards revealed

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.

Bridie McCullagh, who is wearing a red dress, receives her award. She has short dark grey hair. The woman presenter with the award has long blond hair and is also wearing a red dress.

Bridie McCullagh, who organises fundraising events to keep the local community centre running, receives her award

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: 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 a Londonderry school 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.

Pluto is a black dog with a purple and yellow harness. He is on stage on a lead receiving an award. The legs of two women can also been, one wearing dark trousers, the other red trousers.

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.

Related topics