King’s Trust awards shine a spotlight on Northern Ireland winners
Exceptional young achievers are being celebrated at Hillsborough Castle
The King’s Trust Northern Ireland Awards Final took place today at Hillsborough Castle, with eight awards given out to young people and organisations.
Young winners from across Northern Ireland gathered at the event hosted by Cool FM’s Pete Snodden and Downtown Radio’s Kirsty McMurray.
Seven individuals and a school team were honoured for their resilience, creativity, and the positive impact they’ve had on their local communities.
The event celebrates each winner’s accomplishments, with all finalists advancing to the national National King’s Trust award ceremony this May at the Royal Albert Hall.
Northern Ireland Winners
Delta Air Lines Breakthrough: Natalie (Ballyclare)
NatWest Enterprise: Stephanie (Balleymoney)
L’Oreal Paris Rising Star: Jack (Belfast)
Homesense Young Achiever: Trishna (Belfast)
Watches of Switzerland Young Change Maker: Linda (Belfast)
Tesco Education: Patrick (Belfast)
JD Foundation Community Impact: Strabane Academy (Strabane)
Stories of achievement
Delta Air Lines Breakthrough 2026 winner Natalie Sweeney from Ballyclare overcame years of bullying, social anxiety, and challenges with her mental health and physical health. After struggling to secure a job, she found support through The King’s Trust Get Into Retail programme with TK Maxx.
Since completing the programme, Natalie has been thriving and is motivated for the future.
Natalie said: “My life has completely turned around. I was offered a part-time contract at TK Maxx and am loving it! I feel confident and am growing my skills, working towards fulfilling my dreams.”
Homesense Young Achiever 2026 winner, Trishna Shrestha, originally from Nepal and now living in Belfast, struggled after moving to Northern Ireland, applying for over 50 jobs. With her qualifications unrecognised, Trishna discovered The King’s Trust Unlock Skills for Work and Get into Retail programmes, which transformed her confidence and employability.
Trishna said: “Through these programmes, I was able to rebuild my confidence, find work and discover a career path in retail. Now, as a Talent Acquisition Coordinator at M&S, I also get to support other young people looking for opportunities.”
L’Oreal Paris Rising Star 2026 winner Jack Dawson, from Belfast, used The King’s Trust’s Team programme to turn his life around after feeling lost and unsure about his future. The programme helped him build teamwork and leadership skills, and he now runs workshops to support others facing similar experiences.
Jack commented: “Winning this award is an honour and reinforces my belief that young people can rise above circumstances and achieve their dreams.”
Watches of Switzerland Young Change Maker 2026 winner Linda Rodriguez, originally from Central America and now living in Belfast, found hope through The King’s Trust after arriving as an asylum seeker. Through various programmes, Linda learned employability skills and rediscovered her confidence. Now working full-time and acting as a Young Ambassador, she shares her story while advocating for mental health and refugee inclusion.
Linda said: “The King’s Trust became the support I never had but always needed. I’m not just surviving; I’m building, dreaming, and helping others rise.”
Tesco Education 2026 winner Patrick Ward, from Belfast, turned his life around after struggling at school and within the care system. Through The King’s Trust Achieve programme, he gained qualifications and rebuilt his confidence to progress to A-levels, university, and tutoring fellow students in the programme.
Patrick is now studying Politics and International Studies and said: “Achieve changed my life. With the right support, it is possible to achieve anything. Now, I’m focused on helping other young people with similar challenges.”
JD Foundation Community Impact 2026 winners, Strabane Academy, made an extraordinary impact through their Enterprise Challenge project. The team of seven students raised £3,380 to provide a community-accessible defibrillator outside their school gates. The initiative was deeply personal, with one student sharing her experience of losing her father to sudden cardiac arrest.
Sarah-Jane, one of the team members, said: “Turning my grief into purpose with my teammates has been deeply rewarding. We’re determined to keep building a community of lifesavers and inspiring others.”
Looking ahead to May
These Northern Ireland winners now join finalists from across the UK for a national celebration in May 2026 at the Royal Albert Hall.
Youth charity The King’s Trust aims to equip young people from all backgrounds with the skills and confidence needed to succeed.