Health & Wellbeing Good Causes Awards Finalists 2025

Happy Trails - Wexford
Happy Trails provides therapeutic animal experiences for children and adults with disabilities, creating powerful moments of connection, confidence, and joy. Their rescued animals offer calm, supportive interactions both on site and during visits to care centres and schools. Whether it’s a child riding for the first time or a nursing home resident meeting a friendly dog, Happy Trails helps people feel empowered, included, and uplifted.

Barretstown - Kildare
Barretstown offers medically endorsed therapeutic camps and programmes for children living with cancer and other serious illnesses, completely free of charge. The camps feature a range of adventurous and challenging activities, all supported by medical and nursing care – all free of charge., Barretstown creates a safe, joyful space to help children rediscover the joy of simply being children again.

Kinaffe Community Garden - Mayo
Kinaffe Community Garden is a child-led project supporting over 100 children from diverse backgrounds, including those who’ve experienced trauma. The garden fosters emotional healing, connection, and confidence through nature-based learning. Maintained by local volunteers and supported by schools and services, it’s become a vibrant space for integration, creativity, and community pride, earning national recognition for its inclusive and transformative impact.

Spraoi agus Spórt – Donegal
Spraoi agus Spórt is an award-winning social enterprise and registered charity based in Carndonagh, Co. Donegal. Founded in 2010 by local parents in response to a lack of accessible and inclusive services for families. Today, the charity delivers over 60 innovative programmes annually for children, young people, and adults of all abilities. Services include childcare, afterschool clubs, inclusive camps, creative technology labs, digital literacy, STEAM education, youth engagement, and community wellbeing initiatives.

The Book of Memories Café Meath
The Book of Memories Café in Kells is a welcoming, dementia friendly space co-created by healthcare professionals, volunteers, and people with lived experience. It offers supportive activities and expert-led guidance for individuals with dementia and their families. With a thoughtfully designed environment and a strong sense of community, the café reduces isolation, fosters connection, and empowers attendees through shared experiences and compassionate care.