Supporting Social Inclusion at the AONTAS STAR Awards 2026
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Published on
March 4, 2026
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We’re delighted to spotlight the finalists in the Social Inclusion category at the AONTAS STAR Awards 2026.
Kindly sponsored by Open College Network Northern Ireland, this category celebrates initiatives that actively dismantle barriers to participation and create meaningful opportunities for people who are often furthest from education, employment and community life.
The 2026 finalists represent innovative, learner-centred approaches that place dignity, confidence and empowerment at the heart of their work. From supporting lone parents and people who have experienced homelessness, to creating pathways for those impacted by substance use, justice involvement or systemic marginalisation, each initiative demonstrates the transformative power of inclusive adult education.
New Futures Employability Programme – One Family
The New Futures Employability Programme is Ireland’s only employability programme designed specifically for lone parents. Since its launch in 2006, it has evolved into a flexible and responsive model that meets parents where they are — whether through in-person sessions, live online delivery or self-directed learning.
At its core, New Futures combines personal development with career planning, recognising that confidence-building and practical skills must go hand in hand. Participants receive tailored needs assessments, one-to-one guidance and structured support to map out realistic and achievable steps towards education or employment. From mock interviews and course applications to scholarship and job supports, the programme walks alongside parents every step of the way.
What makes New Futures particularly impactful is its wraparound approach. Practical supports such as childcare and travel subsidies, laptop loans, mentoring, counselling and parenting programmes ensure that barriers to participation are addressed holistically. The result is a model that not only supports access to opportunity but strengthens long-term progression and stability for lone-parent families.
Secret Street Tours – Secret Street Tours
Founded in 2018, Secret Street Tours is a powerful example of how lived experience can become a source of education and connection. This non-profit social enterprise supports individuals who have experienced homelessness to train as walking tour guides, sharing their personal journeys through the streets of Dublin.
Learners take part in tailored training in storytelling, public speaking and tour facilitation before designing and delivering their own unique walking tours. Each tour offers a deeply personal insight into homelessness in Ireland, challenging stereotypes and encouraging empathy through direct engagement.
Secret Street Tours also works closely with DEIS schools, creating safe spaces for young people to question assumptions and develop a deeper understanding of social issues. Since its inception, the initiative has trained guides with lived experience and welcomed over 11,000 participants from Ireland and around the world. By transforming personal experience into shared learning, the project builds bridges between communities and fosters genuine social inclusion.
The Open Doors Initiative – Open Doors Initiative
Established in 2018, The Open Doors Initiative works to ensure that everyone — regardless of background — has a fair opportunity to access education, employment and entrepreneurship.
The initiative supports people from marginalised communities, including refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, people with disabilities, disadvantaged young people, members of the Traveller and Roma communities, individuals with a criminal past and members of the LGBTIQ+ community. Through strong partnerships with employers, NGOs, Government Departments and community groups, it creates tangible pathways into meaningful work and training opportunities.
To date, the Open Doors Initiative has supported over 130,000 people on their journey towards employment, education and self-employment. Alongside this direct support, it champions Corporate Social Justice practices, encouraging businesses to embed social responsibility and inclusion into their workforce strategies. Its collaborative approach demonstrates how cross-sector partnerships can drive systemic change and open doors for those who have historically been excluded.
Start360 Volunteer Service – Start360
Launched in January 2024, the Start360 Volunteer Service supports individuals who are furthest from education and employment, particularly those with lived experience of substance use or involvement with the justice system.
Operating across the Greater Belfast area, the initiative provides structured group training, mentorship and hands-on workplace experience to volunteers who are committed to rebuilding their lives and contributing positively to their communities. The programme is grounded in personal and social development, covering areas such as motivational interviewing, stages of change and resilience-building frameworks.
By fostering self-awareness, leadership and transferable skills, Start360 supports volunteers to grow in confidence while addressing wider social challenges including homelessness, poverty and the risk of re-offending. Crucially, it also responds to gaps in support before and after custody, offering meaningful progression routes where few previously existed.
The AONTAS STAR Awards celebrate the life-changing impact of adult and community education across the island of Ireland. We warmly congratulate all of this year’s Social Inclusion finalists. Their work reminds us that when barriers are removed and learners are supported holistically, communities are strengthened and opportunities expand for all.
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Supporting Social Inclusion at the AONTAS STAR Awards 2026
Written by
Published on
March 4, 2026
Share This
We’re delighted to spotlight the finalists in the Social Inclusion category at the AONTAS STAR Awards 2026.
Kindly sponsored by Open College Network Northern Ireland, this category celebrates initiatives that actively dismantle barriers to participation and create meaningful opportunities for people who are often furthest from education, employment and community life.
The 2026 finalists represent innovative, learner-centred approaches that place dignity, confidence and empowerment at the heart of their work. From supporting lone parents and people who have experienced homelessness, to creating pathways for those impacted by substance use, justice involvement or systemic marginalisation, each initiative demonstrates the transformative power of inclusive adult education.
New Futures Employability Programme – One Family
The New Futures Employability Programme is Ireland’s only employability programme designed specifically for lone parents. Since its launch in 2006, it has evolved into a flexible and responsive model that meets parents where they are — whether through in-person sessions, live online delivery or self-directed learning.
At its core, New Futures combines personal development with career planning, recognising that confidence-building and practical skills must go hand in hand. Participants receive tailored needs assessments, one-to-one guidance and structured support to map out realistic and achievable steps towards education or employment. From mock interviews and course applications to scholarship and job supports, the programme walks alongside parents every step of the way.
What makes New Futures particularly impactful is its wraparound approach. Practical supports such as childcare and travel subsidies, laptop loans, mentoring, counselling and parenting programmes ensure that barriers to participation are addressed holistically. The result is a model that not only supports access to opportunity but strengthens long-term progression and stability for lone-parent families.
Secret Street Tours – Secret Street Tours
Founded in 2018, Secret Street Tours is a powerful example of how lived experience can become a source of education and connection. This non-profit social enterprise supports individuals who have experienced homelessness to train as walking tour guides, sharing their personal journeys through the streets of Dublin.
Learners take part in tailored training in storytelling, public speaking and tour facilitation before designing and delivering their own unique walking tours. Each tour offers a deeply personal insight into homelessness in Ireland, challenging stereotypes and encouraging empathy through direct engagement.
Secret Street Tours also works closely with DEIS schools, creating safe spaces for young people to question assumptions and develop a deeper understanding of social issues. Since its inception, the initiative has trained guides with lived experience and welcomed over 11,000 participants from Ireland and around the world. By transforming personal experience into shared learning, the project builds bridges between communities and fosters genuine social inclusion.
The Open Doors Initiative – Open Doors Initiative
Established in 2018, The Open Doors Initiative works to ensure that everyone — regardless of background — has a fair opportunity to access education, employment and entrepreneurship.
The initiative supports people from marginalised communities, including refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, people with disabilities, disadvantaged young people, members of the Traveller and Roma communities, individuals with a criminal past and members of the LGBTIQ+ community. Through strong partnerships with employers, NGOs, Government Departments and community groups, it creates tangible pathways into meaningful work and training opportunities.
To date, the Open Doors Initiative has supported over 130,000 people on their journey towards employment, education and self-employment. Alongside this direct support, it champions Corporate Social Justice practices, encouraging businesses to embed social responsibility and inclusion into their workforce strategies. Its collaborative approach demonstrates how cross-sector partnerships can drive systemic change and open doors for those who have historically been excluded.
Start360 Volunteer Service – Start360
Launched in January 2024, the Start360 Volunteer Service supports individuals who are furthest from education and employment, particularly those with lived experience of substance use or involvement with the justice system.
Operating across the Greater Belfast area, the initiative provides structured group training, mentorship and hands-on workplace experience to volunteers who are committed to rebuilding their lives and contributing positively to their communities. The programme is grounded in personal and social development, covering areas such as motivational interviewing, stages of change and resilience-building frameworks.
By fostering self-awareness, leadership and transferable skills, Start360 supports volunteers to grow in confidence while addressing wider social challenges including homelessness, poverty and the risk of re-offending. Crucially, it also responds to gaps in support before and after custody, offering meaningful progression routes where few previously existed.
The AONTAS STAR Awards celebrate the life-changing impact of adult and community education across the island of Ireland. We warmly congratulate all of this year’s Social Inclusion finalists. Their work reminds us that when barriers are removed and learners are supported holistically, communities are strengthened and opportunities expand for all.
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