Brian ElwoodA Belfast funeral director is trying to save lives by helping people improve their mental health.
Brian Elwood has created a organisation called The Big Dander to promote mental wellbeing through walking and talking.
In his day job as a funeral director he has seen the devastation around suicide and wants to help people cope better with the problems they face.
Brian has been nominated in the BBC’s Make A Difference Awards 2025.
“It started off as an idea that I had just before Covid and it has expanded into large numbers of people who meet every year to do long walks,” Mr Elwood said.
“The Big Dander reaches out to people, it gets people to walk and talk.
“Every time that we have a Big Dander, there are counsellors that we employ to come and talk with you, walking and talking.
“There’s not enough mental health charities, and that’s why The Big Dander became an entity of its own.
“If it saves one life, it works.”
After being told he had been proposed for an award, Mr Elwood said he felt “overwhelmed”.
“It’s an honour to be nominated for anything, but it’s certainly not why we did it,” he said.
“The Big Dander is for other people. All I get out of it is the gratification that I’m helping someone – and I like walking, I like meeting people, and I like talking.”
Brian ElwoodMr Elwood has been in the funeral business in Dunmurry for 37 years, and has always walked to help his own mental health.
He has been nominated in the Active Award category.
It recognises an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community.
The danders started along the Antrim coast, but this year the long-distance walk went from Portrush to Muff in County Donegal.
Long and short walks are organised, and there is also a 24/7 online support platform with access to trained counsellors.
Day trips are arranged for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing transport and meals at no cost.
Who are the other finalists?
Other finalists in the Active Award category are:
Jennifer Smyth
She founded Jenn’s Gym, Northern Ireland’s first gym specifically designed for people with neurological conditions and disabilities.
After sustaining a spinal cord injury at 16, Ms Smyth used her recovery experience to create an accessible gym facility near Londonderry.
The gym provides specialised equipment for rehabilitation and fitness.
Peter Dolan
He founded the Run for Enda foundation in memory of his son, promoting community fitness and road safety awareness.
He leads regular training sessions, supports runners of all abilities and promotes inclusion for deaf participants.
The initiative has expanded internationally, with a new branch in Melbourne.
Mr Dolan also campaigns for sentencing reform in Northern Ireland.
Ann McBrien
The lead organiser of Belfast’s 5k Your Way – Move Against Cancer, a monthly event encouraging cancer patients and their families to walk or run 5km at Ormeau Park.
Ms McBrien, who lives with advanced breast cancer, is also a volunteer with Friends of the Cancer Centre and previously participated in a clinical trial promoting physical activity during cancer treatment.
What is BBC Make a Difference?
Make a Difference is a BBC initiative seeking to recognise and celebrate members of the public who make life better for others where they live.
Since February, BBC teams from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been asking audiences to nominate the unsung heroes in their local communities who do amazing things.
Finalists have been selected by a panel of judges in each of the eight categories ahead of the Northern Ireland final in September.
The categories are:
* The Volunteer Awards
* The Young Hero Award
* The Great Neighbour Award
* The Active Award
* The Animal Award
* The Green Award
* The Fundraiser Award
* The Community Group Award
Overall winners from each category will be announced live on BBC Radio Ulster’s Vinny and Cate show on Friday 26 September.