Social Inclusion & Community Support Shortlist 2025

Married couple Audrey and Rodney have been regular volunteers at Tiglin’s Homeless Café for almost 20 years. You might find Rodney on the streets bringing food and necessities to people in need while Audrey is at the Café preparing food and providing caring company for the people sharing a meal there. Together, Audrey and Rodney have quietly walked beside many people who have come through homelessness and addiction. They have helped people take that first brave step towards change, and they have done it all without ever seeking praise or recognition. Over the years, they have created a real sense of warmth and welcome in both the café and on the streets. They have shown what it means to treat everyone with kindness and to believe that change is always possible. Rodney has even repaired the No Bucks Bus with his mechanic knowledge, making sure that Tiglin could provide a warm safe space for people. 

Their nominator writes that Audrey and Rodney “remind everyone around them what the work is really about: meeting people where they are, with kindness, hope and no judgment.   

Ann has been with Hygiene Hub Kilkenny from the very beginning! She began organising key local activities such as setting up collection points in accessible community spaces, coordinating hygiene drives in schools, and rallying her community around the shared mission of ensuring that no one in Kilkenny has to go without essential hygiene products. What began as a small initiative led by one person with a strong sense of purpose has now grown into a coordinated local effort that is improving lives every day. Ann’s leadership is defined by her inclusivity, positivity, and ability to inspire others. She not only took initiative but also empowered people around her to get involved.  

Ann’s volunteering is only about gathering supplies but also about raising awareness of hygiene poverty and encouraging a shared sense of social responsibility throughout Kilkenny. So far, Ann and her team have collected 246 kg of personal and household hygiene products and shared them with 180 people and families in the area.  

Bernadette has been a volunteer Befriender with Spirasi for seven years, helping survivors of torture feel welcome and integrated in their communities. While many volunteers provide crucial English practice, Bernadette understands that language acquisition grows with genuine friendship. “She doesn’t just teach English; she builds a relationship” writes her nominator. Bernadette creates a safe space where learning can happen at the pace of the friend. This transforms the dynamic from a transactional tutoring session into a holistic partnership grounded in mutual respect.   

Furthermore, Bernadette stands out for her exceptional dedication to full immersion for her befriendee. She doesn’t limit her support to scheduled lessons. By meeting in person multiple times a week and actively accompanying her befriendee to all Spirasi activities—from weekly Zoom classes to the annual Africa Day celebration—she does more than just attend events. She acts as a cultural bridge and a steadying presence, ensuring her befriendee feels supported and confident enough to engage fully with her new community. This active accompaniment demonstrates a level of personal investment, turning organizational events into powerful, practical extensions of her lessons.