Supporting Health and Wellbeing at the AONTAS STAR Awards 2026
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Published on
March 5, 2026
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Supporting health and wellbeing through adult and community education continues to be a vital focus of the AONTAS STAR Awards. This year, the Health and Wellbeing category once again recognises initiatives that create supportive learning spaces, empower communities, and respond to complex social challenges through education and collaboration.
We are delighted that the category is once again kindly sponsored by Mental Heath Ireland, whose longstanding commitment to promoting positive mental health aligns closely with the work of adult learning organisations across Ireland.
The finalists in the Health and Wellbeing category at the 2026 STAR Awards showcase the many ways adult education can support recovery, resilience, and community wellbeing. From creative expression and culturally grounded learning to sector-wide training initiatives, these projects demonstrate how education can open pathways to healing, understanding, and opportunity.
A Day in the Life – Soilse
Developed within the HSE Soilse Recovery Programme in Dublin’s north inner city, A Day in the Life is a powerful documentary shaped by the voices of people in recovery from addiction.
The project grew from a creative theatre production where participants used drama, storytelling, and personal reflection to explore their lived experiences. Through the process, participants shared insights into the realities of addiction while also highlighting the possibility of recovery and change.
The resulting documentary offers an honest and deeply human portrayal of recovery. By bringing together personal stories and professional perspectives, it aims to challenge stigma and foster greater understanding of addiction and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. Now being shared with schools and young people, the film also acts as a learning resource that encourages empathy and meaningful dialogue.
Understanding Mental Health through Positive Therapeutic Copper Art Facilitation Training – National Traveller MABS
Delivered by National Traveller MABS, this programme demonstrates the importance of culturally relevant approaches to mental health education. Designed specifically with the Traveller community in mind, the initiative combines mental health awareness with therapeutic copper art facilitation training.
Copper craft has long been a valued cultural tradition within the Traveller community, and incorporating this creative practice into the learning experience helped make the programme both accessible and engaging for participants.
Through the course, learners developed knowledge and skills to better understand mental health and explore ways to manage its challenges. The programme has also created opportunities for participants to bring these conversations back into their communities, with some graduates now facilitating their own sessions on positive mental health through copper art.
By blending cultural heritage with education and peer support, this initiative is helping to address mental health challenges in a way that is both empowering and community-led.
On Feirm Ground 2 – Mens Network
Farming communities face unique pressures that can impact wellbeing, yet conversations around health can sometimes be difficult to initiate. On Feirm Ground 2, developed by Mens Network, aims to change that by equipping those who regularly interact with farmers with the confidence and tools to recognise when someone may need support.
The programme provides targeted training for agricultural professionals and service providers who are often in regular contact with farmers through their work. By combining online learning with in-person workshops, the initiative helps participants understand the social and cultural factors that influence farmers’ health and wellbeing.
Supported by partners including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive, the programme builds on earlier pilot work that demonstrated the value of creating trusted pathways between farming communities and health services.
The training highlights the role that everyday professional interactions can play in opening supportive conversations and signposting people to appropriate help.
Aiseiri Progression Programme – Aiseiri
Based in Waterford City, the Aiseiri Progression Programme supports people in recovery from addiction as they rebuild their lives through education, personal development, and employment pathways. Delivered by Aiséirí, the programme provides structured learning opportunities alongside recovery-focused supports.
Participants engage in a year-long education programme that combines practical skills development with personal growth, helping learners regain confidence and prepare for further education or employment.
A key strength of the programme is its learner-centred approach. Activities and learning pathways are shaped by participants’ goals and feedback, ensuring that the programme responds to their individual needs and aspirations.
Over the past decade, the initiative has supported many individuals who have experienced significant barriers, including homelessness, mental health challenges, and long-term unemployment. By providing a supportive environment and meaningful opportunities for progression, the programme plays an important role in helping learners move towards independence and stability
Together, these finalists highlight the powerful role adult learning can play in supporting wellbeing across diverse communities. Whether through creative storytelling, culturally grounded practice, community-based recovery supports, or sector-wide training initiatives, each project demonstrates how education can foster understanding, resilience, and connection.
We congratulate all the finalists and look forward to celebrating their achievements at the 2026 STAR Awards. 🌟
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Supporting Health and Wellbeing at the AONTAS STAR Awards 2026
Written by
Published on
March 5, 2026
Share This
Supporting health and wellbeing through adult and community education continues to be a vital focus of the AONTAS STAR Awards. This year, the Health and Wellbeing category once again recognises initiatives that create supportive learning spaces, empower communities, and respond to complex social challenges through education and collaboration.
We are delighted that the category is once again kindly sponsored by Mental Heath Ireland, whose longstanding commitment to promoting positive mental health aligns closely with the work of adult learning organisations across Ireland.
The finalists in the Health and Wellbeing category at the 2026 STAR Awards showcase the many ways adult education can support recovery, resilience, and community wellbeing. From creative expression and culturally grounded learning to sector-wide training initiatives, these projects demonstrate how education can open pathways to healing, understanding, and opportunity.
A Day in the Life – Soilse
Developed within the HSE Soilse Recovery Programme in Dublin’s north inner city, A Day in the Life is a powerful documentary shaped by the voices of people in recovery from addiction.
The project grew from a creative theatre production where participants used drama, storytelling, and personal reflection to explore their lived experiences. Through the process, participants shared insights into the realities of addiction while also highlighting the possibility of recovery and change.
The resulting documentary offers an honest and deeply human portrayal of recovery. By bringing together personal stories and professional perspectives, it aims to challenge stigma and foster greater understanding of addiction and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. Now being shared with schools and young people, the film also acts as a learning resource that encourages empathy and meaningful dialogue.
Understanding Mental Health through Positive Therapeutic Copper Art Facilitation Training – National Traveller MABS
Delivered by National Traveller MABS, this programme demonstrates the importance of culturally relevant approaches to mental health education. Designed specifically with the Traveller community in mind, the initiative combines mental health awareness with therapeutic copper art facilitation training.
Copper craft has long been a valued cultural tradition within the Traveller community, and incorporating this creative practice into the learning experience helped make the programme both accessible and engaging for participants.
Through the course, learners developed knowledge and skills to better understand mental health and explore ways to manage its challenges. The programme has also created opportunities for participants to bring these conversations back into their communities, with some graduates now facilitating their own sessions on positive mental health through copper art.
By blending cultural heritage with education and peer support, this initiative is helping to address mental health challenges in a way that is both empowering and community-led.
On Feirm Ground 2 – Mens Network
Farming communities face unique pressures that can impact wellbeing, yet conversations around health can sometimes be difficult to initiate. On Feirm Ground 2, developed by Mens Network, aims to change that by equipping those who regularly interact with farmers with the confidence and tools to recognise when someone may need support.
The programme provides targeted training for agricultural professionals and service providers who are often in regular contact with farmers through their work. By combining online learning with in-person workshops, the initiative helps participants understand the social and cultural factors that influence farmers’ health and wellbeing.
Supported by partners including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive, the programme builds on earlier pilot work that demonstrated the value of creating trusted pathways between farming communities and health services.
The training highlights the role that everyday professional interactions can play in opening supportive conversations and signposting people to appropriate help.
Aiseiri Progression Programme – Aiseiri
Based in Waterford City, the Aiseiri Progression Programme supports people in recovery from addiction as they rebuild their lives through education, personal development, and employment pathways. Delivered by Aiséirí, the programme provides structured learning opportunities alongside recovery-focused supports.
Participants engage in a year-long education programme that combines practical skills development with personal growth, helping learners regain confidence and prepare for further education or employment.
A key strength of the programme is its learner-centred approach. Activities and learning pathways are shaped by participants’ goals and feedback, ensuring that the programme responds to their individual needs and aspirations.
Over the past decade, the initiative has supported many individuals who have experienced significant barriers, including homelessness, mental health challenges, and long-term unemployment. By providing a supportive environment and meaningful opportunities for progression, the programme plays an important role in helping learners move towards independence and stability
Together, these finalists highlight the powerful role adult learning can play in supporting wellbeing across diverse communities. Whether through creative storytelling, culturally grounded practice, community-based recovery supports, or sector-wide training initiatives, each project demonstrates how education can foster understanding, resilience, and connection.
We congratulate all the finalists and look forward to celebrating their achievements at the 2026 STAR Awards. 🌟
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