Celebrating Change-Makers: STAR Awards Social Change Finalists 2026
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Published on
March 5, 2026
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This year, the STAR Awards introduces the Social Change category, proudly sponsored by Maynooth University, highlighting initiatives that inspire community transformation and foster social inclusion across Ireland.
The 2026 finalists show the power of adult learning to spark reflection, connection, and action:
Who Are We Now? – Northside Partnership
In response to protests at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, Northside Partnership invited community members to explore identity, belonging, and inclusion through photovoice, a creative, participatory method using photography and storytelling. The project captures vulnerability, hope, and dialogue, asking: Who are we now—and who do we want to be?
Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) Ireland – AVP Ireland
For over 30 years, AVP Ireland has delivered experiential, peer-led workshops in 12 Irish prisons, helping participants build trust, community, and non-violent conflict resolution skills. By training facilitators from within the participant group, AVP empowers people to lead change in themselves and their communities.
Divergently Together – Alan James Burns
This shared-island initiative uses STEM technologies to engage neurodivergent adults in climate action. By connecting participants, policymakers, and local authorities, Divergently Together ensures climate strategies reflect lived experience and inclusivity, embedding neurodivergent voices in environmental decision-making.
AD:EPT Service – Start360
AD:EPT brings together multiple agencies to integrate learning, rehabilitation, and recovery for individuals in custody. Through trauma-informed programmes and strong partnerships with the Northern Ireland Prison Service, probation, and addiction services, AD:EPT ensures seamless support from custody to community, enabling lasting social change.
These projects remind us that social change is not only about the systems we reshape, but the people whose voices and experiences guide us toward a more inclusive future.
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Celebrating Change-Makers: STAR Awards Social Change Finalists 2026
Written by
Published on
March 5, 2026
Share This
This year, the STAR Awards introduces the Social Change category, proudly sponsored by Maynooth University, highlighting initiatives that inspire community transformation and foster social inclusion across Ireland.
The 2026 finalists show the power of adult learning to spark reflection, connection, and action:
Who Are We Now? – Northside Partnership
In response to protests at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, Northside Partnership invited community members to explore identity, belonging, and inclusion through photovoice, a creative, participatory method using photography and storytelling. The project captures vulnerability, hope, and dialogue, asking: Who are we now—and who do we want to be?
Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) Ireland – AVP Ireland
For over 30 years, AVP Ireland has delivered experiential, peer-led workshops in 12 Irish prisons, helping participants build trust, community, and non-violent conflict resolution skills. By training facilitators from within the participant group, AVP empowers people to lead change in themselves and their communities.
Divergently Together – Alan James Burns
This shared-island initiative uses STEM technologies to engage neurodivergent adults in climate action. By connecting participants, policymakers, and local authorities, Divergently Together ensures climate strategies reflect lived experience and inclusivity, embedding neurodivergent voices in environmental decision-making.
AD:EPT Service – Start360
AD:EPT brings together multiple agencies to integrate learning, rehabilitation, and recovery for individuals in custody. Through trauma-informed programmes and strong partnerships with the Northern Ireland Prison Service, probation, and addiction services, AD:EPT ensures seamless support from custody to community, enabling lasting social change.
These projects remind us that social change is not only about the systems we reshape, but the people whose voices and experiences guide us toward a more inclusive future.
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