SETU student presented with prestigious social care award
Shauna Kelly (left) was awarded the prestigious Social Care Ireland Student Award for 2025
A SETU final-year student has been awarded the prestigious Social Care Ireland Student Award for 2025.
Shauna Kelly, who is a final year student at SETU, was presented with her award at the recent Social Care Ireland gala dinner.
A student of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Care Practice, she was nominated for the award by Dr Danielle Douglas, Programme Leader for Social Care Practice.
The annual awards initiative recognises outstanding contribution and excellence in social care education and practice.
Dr Douglas, described Shauna as “an exemplar of what this profession is all about”.
In her nomination and award speech, Dr Douglas reflected on Shauna’s journey, commenting: “Shauna reminds us that social care is not just about policies and practice - it’s about people. Her ability to turn her lived experience into a force for systemic improvement is truly inspiring.” Shauna’s achievements reflect the depth of talent and resilience across the Social Care Practice programme at SETU.
She has worked extensively in advocacy, education, and service development - co-founding The Social Butterfly magazine and has contributed to national conferences with EPIC (Empowering People in Care) along with serving on a Quality Assurance Committee for prospective foster carers.
In accepting her award, Shauna expressed deep gratitude for the support she received throughout her academic journey.
“To be recognised for something I am so passionate about means more to me than words can express,” she said.
“Speaking up about my story has allowed me to accept that I am in fact no different to anybody else, and it has taught me to use my experience as my social care superpower,” she added.
A proud care-experienced student, Shauna’s dissertation explored how trauma-informed approaches promote resilience in adolescents in care. It’s research she intends to continue beyond her undergraduate degree.
A spokesperson for SETU said Shauna’s ability to combine academic rigour with lived insight exemplifies SETU’s student-centred approach to learning and professional development.
“This award not only celebrates Shauna’s achievements, but also acknowledges the many SETU students who are thriving despite personal challenges, contributing every day to the betterment of individuals and communities through social care,” said the spokesperson.
Meanwhile, Dr Douglas commented: “While this award recognises Shauna’s exceptional impact, it also shines a light on the passion and commitment we see across the programme.” “SETU congratulates Shauna Kelly on this well-earned national honour and looks forward to the continued impact she - and her peers - will have in the field of social care,” said the SETU spokesperson.
