Ireland’s unemployment rate rose from 4% in the mid-2000s to 14% in 2011. As the nation continues to deal with its financial crisis, eight finalists have been announced for the 2012 Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awards to share a €775,000 prize fund. These eight entrepreneurs lead young social ventures with ideas for major change in Ireland, ranging in areas including employment, eating disorders, computer coding for children, and supporting families of people with disabilities.
The finalists were chosen from a group of almost 200 applicants.
“At a time when there is so much negativity in Ireland, it is humbling to see the spirit, passion and abilities of these people who have new solutions for some of our social problems. We know that these ideas have the potential to scale and grow, and we’re looking forward to working with each of them over the coming months to increase the impact that they have in Ireland,” said Social Entrepreneurs Ireland CEO Seán Coughlan.
Three winners will be announced at an annual awards ceremony in October. They will participate in Social Entrepreneurs Ireland’s Impact Programme and will benefit from a support package of €200,000 each. The remaining five will participate in Social Entrepreneurs Ireland’s Elevator Programme valued at €35,000 each.
The Finalists
Lucy Masterson – Hireland
Kickstarting a burst of job creation in Ireland – one job at a time.
Hireland is addressing the issue of unemployment in Ireland by encouraging small and medium enterprises around the country to pledge to hire one additional staff member. Hireland challenges people to think about what they can do to improve their business by hiring, and change the mindset around the country from one of firing to one of hiring. Started by Lucy with her neighbours around the kitchen table last year, she aims to fuel a positive momentum and send a positive message throughout communities that recovery can and will happen one job at a time.
James Whelton – Coder Dojo
An Irish-led global movement of free coding clubs for young people.
Coder Dojo addresses the gap in the education system around computer literacy and coding. For young people who are interested in developing their coding skills there is no forum for them currently to do so. The technology and skill sets move so quickly that it would be hard for schools to deliver this education successfully. Coder Dojo is an Irish led, global network of free not-for-profit computer clubs where young people learn to code and develop websites, apps, games and more. It is taught by professionals who volunteer their time and is entirely free. It also provides laptops for children who do not have them wherever possible and also reaches out to remote locations.
Emma Murphy – The Turning Institute
Online programs for adults with eating disorders.
The Turning Institute provides therapist designed and clinically proven online programs for adults with eating disorders. Emma Murphy is a psychotherapist specializing in eating disorders, and has run a group for people affected by eating disorders for over 3 years. Building on the content from this program, Emma has developed an online platform that is both relevant and effective at bringing about change. The online programs provide a first step towards recovery that can be worked through in complete confidence. In addition, The Turning Institute are currently collaborating with Bodywhys, the Irish National Eating Disorders Association, to deliver online training for GPs in correctly identifying, diagnosing, and treating patients with eating disorders.
Rachel Cassen – LEAP
Empowering families experiencing disability to create self-directed, empowered lives.
LEAP provides leadership, mentoring and training solutions to families who have a child with a disability and who wish to take control of their own support needs. This helps families create solutions that will ensure children with disabilities maintain strong and diverse relationships with family members, friends, and community. LEAP partners with families to develop a personalized support roadmap without imposing its own goals or solutions. LEAP mentors families enabling them to self-direct and self-manage their own funding and support initiatives.
Aviva Cohen – Neuro Hero
Technology based supports for people with communication difficulties.
For people who have suffered reduced communication ability due to impairments such as brain injury or intellectual disability, the inability to communicate can lead to feelings of isolation and depression. To tackle this social isolation, Aviva Cohen has created Neuro Hero, a home based, family support package that uses a series of innovative web apps for mobile devices and PCs. Neuro Hero will provide a subscription based support package which will include therapeutic activities, communication activities, training videos, career support tools, and educational materials.
Trevor White – City of a Thousand Welcomes
Promoting Dublin as a place of outstanding hospitality and civic pride.
In this time of economic hardship it can be difficult for people to remember what is unique and positive about Ireland. Despite the downturn, 93% of tourists still say that the most memorable aspect of their trip is the friendliness of the people. Building on this, Trevor White has developed a unique activity which allows Dubliners to sign up as volunteer “ambassadors” and bring visitors to the city for a free pint or cup of tea. The service is completely secure and free for both visitor and volunteer. This encourages civic pride and encourages visitors to come to the city by sending a positive message about Dublin out to the rest of the world – it is the only city in the world where the locals are literally queuing up to meet you!
George Boyle – Fumbally Exchange
Affordable, flexible and collaborative workspaces for creative and design-focused professionals.
Fumbally Exchange (FEx) is a creative movement that is transforming working practices, stimulating recovery and driving innovation in enterprise. Founded by architect George Boyle in the heart of Dublin’s Liberties in 2010, FEx inspires experienced professionals to grow or start new business in the fields of design and innovation. FEx provides creative workspaces in key locations and sectors, and runs mentoring, workshops, exhibitions, apprenticeships and other programs. This allows creative and innovative professionals to focus on the opportunities around them and make work, together.
Tony Griffin and Karl Swan – Soar Foundation
Providing positive life-skills for young people to develop self-belief and to fulfill their potential.
Soar creates and delivers innovative programs for young people where, within a safe and supportive environment, they are given the opportunity to share and learn, build self-confidence and increase their emotional awareness. Soar invests in young people by equipping them with positive life skills to fulfill their potential. Soar is for all young people regardless of their background and acts as an early intervention initiative. Soar was founded by former Clare hurler Tony Griffin and Karl Swan, who were inspired by the success of Reach in Australia, which has been running a similar program with young people there for the last 17 years.
Photo from Social Entrepreneurs Ireland.