Nominations open for Shine’s Mental Health Media Awards (Ireland)

Deadline: 14-Sep-2026

The Shine Mental Health Media Awards recognise outstanding Irish media work that improves public understanding of mental health, challenges stereotypes, and reduces stigma. The awards are open to eligible journalists, broadcasters, researchers, producers, editors, and students for original work published or broadcast between 23 September 2025 and 14 September 2026. The programme features 11 award categories covering print, online, broadcast, digital, student journalism, youth mental health reporting, lived-experience storytelling, and other areas of media. The Student Journalism Award includes a one-week reporting placement with TheJournal.ie and a bursary for expenses. What Are the Shine Mental Health Media Awards? The Shine Mental Health Media Awards were established to celebrate media professionals who contribute to a more informed and compassionate public discussion about mental health. The awards recognise reporting and storytelling that: - Improve understanding of mental health. - Challenge stereotypes and stigma. - Present the lived experiences of people with mental health difficulties. - Promote informed public discussion. - Encourage greater awareness of recovery. - Highlight areas where mental health services may need improvement. - Contribute to better understanding of mental health issues in Ireland. The programme recognises the influence that responsible journalism and media storytelling can have on public attitudes and mental health awareness. Why Do the Mental Health Media Awards Matter? Media coverage plays an important role in shaping how the public understands mental health. Accurate and sensitive reporting can help audiences understand: - Mental health difficulties. - Recovery experiences. - Barriers faced by people accessing services. - The impact of stigma. - The experiences of families and communities. - Areas requiring improvements in mental health services. By recognising high-quality reporting, the awards encourage Irish media professionals to approach mental health topics with accuracy, sensitivity, and social responsibility. What Are the Objectives of the Awards? The Shine Mental Health Media Awards focus on three main objectives. Challenging Mental Health Stereotypes The awards recognise work that questions inaccurate or harmful stereotypes about people experiencing mental health difficulties. Improving Public Understanding Entries should help audiences better understand mental health and the real-life experiences of people affected by mental health difficulties. Encouraging Service Improvement Media coverage can identify practices, policies, or procedures that require reform. The awards recognise journalism that contributes constructively to discussions about improving Ireland’s mental health services. How Many Award Categories Are Available? The programme features 11 categories covering different forms of Irish media.

Categories span areas including:

- Print journalism. - Online journalism. - Broadcast media. - Digital media. - Student journalism. - Youth mental health reporting. - Special-interest media. - Lived-experience storytelling. The Shine Audience Choice Award is decided through public voting and recognises media work that has made a significant contribution to the Irish public conversation about mental health. Who Can Enter? The awards are open to eligible media professionals and students working in or for Irish media.

Potential entrants include:

- Journalists. - Broadcasters. - Researchers. - Producers. - Editors. - Students. - Individuals sharing lived experiences through eligible media work. Entrants must either have their principal occupation in media in Ireland or work for an Irish publication or production company. Applicants should check the specific category requirements before submitting an entry. What Work Is Eligible? Entries must be original media work that was published or broadcast during the specified eligibility period. The eligible publication or broadcast period is: 23 September 2025 to 14 September 2026 Eligible work may come from different forms of media, depending on the category, including: - Newspapers and magazines. - Online publications. - Broadcast programmes. - Digital media. - Student journalism. - Other eligible media formats. What Is the Student Journalism Award? The Student Journalism Award provides recognition and a professional development opportunity for emerging journalists.

The winner receives:

- A one-week reporting placement with TheJournal.ie. - A bursary for expenses associated with the opportunity. This category is particularly relevant to students developing careers in journalism who have produced thoughtful and responsible reporting on mental health. What Is the Shine Audience Choice Award? The Shine Audience Choice Award is determined through a public vote. It recognises media work that has made a meaningful impact on the Irish public conversation around mental health. Unlike awards determined solely through judging, this category gives the public an opportunity to identify work they believe has contributed significantly to mental health awareness and discussion. What Makes a Strong Entry? A strong entry should demonstrate meaningful contribution to public understanding of mental health.

Relevant qualities may include:

- Accurate reporting. - Sensitive storytelling. - Strong research. - Clear communication. - Originality. - Human-centred reporting. - Challenging harmful stereotypes. - Presenting lived experiences responsibly. - Highlighting important gaps or challenges in mental health services. - Encouraging constructive public discussion. Entries should demonstrate why the work matters and what impact it has had on audiences or the wider conversation. How to Enter the Shine Mental Health Media Awards

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Confirm that you meet the requirements for the relevant category and that your work is connected to eligible Irish media.

Step 2: Check the Publication D