Childhood Development Initiative

The Nova Programme, developed by the Childhood Development Initiative in Tallaght, supports children and young people who are finding it hard to go to school. Rooted in evidence and collaboration with schools, parents, and services, Nova combines practical toolkits, early intervention supports, and advocacy to ensure school avoidance is recognised and addressed. By building school capacity and offering tailored interventions, Nova empowers young people to re-engage with education, improving well-being, resilience, and long-term opportunities. 

“We are thrilled to have received this funding which will allow us to complete an independent evaluation of the Nova Programme, develop responses to issues identified in the first phase, and scale up for wider replication. Over the next three years we will deepen our understanding of what works in supporting young people with school avoidance and develop strategies for sharing the learning.” 

-Marian Quinn, CEO

Aware

Aware has been supporting people impacted by depression, bipolar and anxiety for 40 years. This project aims to improve people’s experience and management of depression or anxiety and will provide free evidence-based counselling and wider mental health supports to c. 400 people over the age of 18 over three years countrywide.  

“This is wonderful recognition of the strength and importance of having accessible, integrated, and effective mental health supports. We’re really pleased that Rethink Ireland have recognised the opportunity for us to extend our reach and to provide valuable free support to people who are experiencing poverty and depression or anxiety – a community that is often overlooked.” 

-Stephen Butterly, CEO

Common Knowledge Centre for Sustainable Living CLG

The Queer Sheds Network Ireland is the world’s first queer-led network inspired by the Men’s and Women’s Sheds movements. It tackles LGBTQIA+ isolation and mental health challenges by creating safe, community-driven spaces for skill-sharing, creativity, and connection. Piloted in Clare in 2024, the network now has 10 active groups and is expanding nationally, with 17 more applying to join. Queer Sheds foster belonging, resilience, and wellbeing through hands-on, non-alcohol-centred activities. 

“Winning Rethink Ireland’s Brighter Futures 2025 award is a huge boost for the Queer Sheds Network. It gives us the support to grow a nationwide network of safe, inclusive spaces where LGBTQIA+ people can connect, share skills, and build resilience together. This recognition affirms the importance of community-led solutions to isolation and mental health and helps us create a lasting impact for queer people across Ireland.” 

– Aoife Hammond, Project Lead 

Offaly Traveller Movement

Mincears Tairean – meaning Travellers Talking, is a Traveller specific mental health process designed to equip Travellers with the tools to manage their mental health, build resilience, and strengthen their sense of self and self-esteem. Developed by Offaly Traveller movement, the programme creates a safe space where Travellers can explore their mental health and wellbeing in a way that reflects their culture and lived experience. Participants learn practical strategies to support their wellbeing, identity, connection with local supports and develop personal action plans for positive mental health. The long-term goal is to establish Mincears Tairean as a sustainable, Traveller led mental health resource available to the Traveller community across Ireland. 

“Winning Rethink Ireland award is a powerful recognition of the strength, resilience and leadership within the Traveller community as well as the impact of Traveller led mental health initiatives. This award helps to shine a light on Travellers voices in Mental Health and supports our vision to empower Travellers to take an active role in their mental health and further strengthen communities across Ireland” 

-Aislinn Daly, Project lead

Anew Support Services CLG

Anew CLG provides pregnant women and new mothers experiencing homelessness with pre and post-natal supports and short-term accommodation whilst seeking long term housing.  

The Youth Integrated Pregnancy Support Service (YIPS) project utilises bespoke and evidence-based programmes of intensive interventions around pregnancy, parenting, health (mental and physical), life skills, education and employment, for women under 25 years old who are experiencing homelessness. Interventions are delivered by specialised practitioners as part of all our services depending on the women’s needs. 

“Winning the Brighter Futures Award Fund enables us to expand our services to support more vulnerable women and babies. This funding allows us to begin building a support network that empowers families to move forward with confidence. Creating even a small amount of positivity and a safe, supportive space is crucial during such a challenging time in their lives” 

– Marian Barnard, CEO

Spiritan Asylum Services Initiative CLG, T/A Spirasi

The Spiritan Asylum Services Initiative (Spirasi) was established over 25 years ago. They are dedicated to healing survivors of torture and empowering them to rebuild their lives. Through therapeutic, rehabilitative, and educational services, they provide holistic support that helps individuals restore a positive sense of self and become active contributors to a better Ireland. Since their foundation, over 7,200 survivors of torture have accessed their rehabilitation services. Their work is driven by the belief that every person deserves dignity, healing, and a chance to rebuild. 

“Winning the brighter futures award is an exciting development for Spirasi. The funding will allow Spirasi to continue to provide high quality compassionate support for torture survivors. Coupled with the non-financial supports, we believe that our brighter futures project will improve mental health outcomes and allow our clients to thrive.” 

– Grainne O’Rourke CEO Spirasi 

Women’s Collective Ireland

Empower Her is a Domestic Violence Recovery Programme offering a holistic, trauma-informed 7-week group course, combining specialist counselling and wrap-around supports including legal, housing, and employment assistance. This approach rebuilds survivors’ confidence, mental well-being, and independence, fostering community connection and breaking cycles of abuse. Investment will expand access, enabling survivors of domestic abuse to heal, thrive, and reclaim their futures with sustainable empowerment and social integration. 

 “Winning Rethink Ireland’s Brighter Futures 2025 Award is a transformative milestone for our work. It recognises the strength of survivors and the power of community-based recovery. This investment strengthens our capacity to reach more women, deepen our impact, and build lasting pathways to healing, empowerment, independence and develop sustainable routes for long-term recovery. This support enables us to reach more communities, ensure every survivor has the opportunity to rebuild their life and build brighter futures for women and their families across Ireland.”  

– Jennifer Phillips, WCI Project Coordinator