The honour was presented to Paula by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Prince William, during an investiture ceremony. This award follows her inclusion in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours List in recognition of her outstanding services to adults with learning difficulties. Highlighting her dedication, leadership, and the positive impact she has made through her work at Stepping Stones NI.

Reflecting on the achievement, Paula said:

This MBE doesn’t belong to me alone—it belongs to every single person who makes Stepping Stones NI what it is.

It belongs to the incredible people we support, who are at the heart of everything we do. To our amazing team of staff and volunteers who dedicate themselves every day to seeing everyone’s potential. To our Board members past and present, our partners, families, and community supporters who believe in our mission.

I’m simply fortunate to be the one holding this honour on behalf of all of us.

From all of us at Stepping Stones NI, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Paula. This award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her tireless commitment, leadership, and the difference she continues to make in the lives of adults with learning difficulties.