Our founder Andrew Hamilton, has been named Social Enterprise NI’s ‘Young Person of the Year’.
The 21-year-old received the accolade at the Social Enterprise NI’s annual awards dinner, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast on Friday 7 November.
Andrew, who studies Politics and International Relations at Durham University, founded Just Include in September 2024, a public affairs startup with the aim of not only revolutionising public affairs but to make politics more accessible to grassroot activists, particularly marginalised group.
With funding from One Young World and Durham University’s Venture Lab, Andrew has been working on developing comprehensive and specialist resources, training programmes and solutions to help corporate bodies, the voluntary sector and activists use their voice in the political sector.
“I founded Just Include because I believe that politics shouldn’t be exclusive. Initially, I focused on disability activism, but soon realised that my work can benefit wider grassroots activists particularly marginalised groupings. I have already launched a digital handbook and developed workshops on the political system in Northern Ireland, but this is just the start,” explains Andrew.
Speaking about the award, he adds, “Even to be shortlisted as one of 10 finalists was amazing, but to win ‘Young Person of the Year 2025’ is incredible. I feel it’s recognition of both the work I’ve already done, and the importance of opening up political engagement.”
