Winner: Something Special, Derry/ Londonderry

Something Special is an educational establishment for young people and adults with learning disabilities. It offers a wide range of courses for all of its students ranging from creative arts and music to business enterprise and event management. The principal aim of Something Special is to “Advance education, training and personal development by providing accredited and non-accredited courses and other educational activities which assist in developing skills, capacities and capabilities and also by providing imaginative and progressive music and performing arts activities which stimulate learning and are participative, empowering and expressive”. The organisation also provides facilities for leisure-time occupation for young people and adults with learning disabilities with the aim of improving their quality of life. Something Special organises activities, events, projects and initiatives that promote social integration, equal access and participation. It engages with, promotes co-operation among, and establishes strategic partnerships between groups, organisations and agencies in the community, voluntary and statutory sectors.

Judges’ Citation
This was an exceptional entry where an innovative social enterprise cafe was providing skills training, but was also a focal point for integration with the local community, a social outlet and a respite for carers. Something Special is an association with charitable status catering for young people and adults with learning disabilities. Education, training and personal development is provided in two locations -, Springtown and Eglinton. Committed and talented volunteers at management committee level, working with students led by a highly motivated founder and team leader have created a much loved and much needed service.