County Derry girl wins ‘Above and beyond award’ for young carers at Derry Credit Union Young People Awards

Sinead Lavery (18) from Dungiven recently won an award for her role as a young carer at the Derry Credit Union Young People Awards. 

The young woman from Dungiven goes above and beyond in her role supporting her younger sister Bronagh who has additional needs. 

ABOVE: Sinead with her sister Bronagh

Sinead spoke to the County Derry Post about her life as a young carer and her passion for caring for others.

She said “Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the challenges my sister faced, I saw how important it was for her to feel included and to have opportunities to engage with her peers. This experience ignited a passion in me for caring for others and advocating for those who may not always have the same opportunities. As I got older, I wanted to extend that support beyond just our family. That’s when I joined Oak Leaf Lions, a fantastic organization that focuses on community engagement and support. Being part of the group has allowed me to connect with other individuals who share the same vision of making a positive impact. It’s been incredibly rewarding to work alongside them, organizing events and activities that promote inclusion and understanding, especially for kids like my sister with additional needs. 

“As a gymnast in Shooting Starz, I knew the importance of being part of a club and developing new skills. Initially my club had an all-abilities session which ignited my sister’s enjoyment. I started to volunteer at gymnastics to help other children, when it became possible for me to coach my sister during her sessions too and has been one of the highlights of my life. It’s amazing to see the joy on the kids' faces as they learn new skills and build confidence. I made it a point to ensure my sister could participate, as I believe that every child should have the chance to enjoy physical activities and make friends. I went along to her gaelic football training in the local club, meaning she could see her friends and enjoy the social aspects of sport. When that was too competitive for her, she joined GAA for All, a sister group of Oakleaf Lions, run by the same people trying to bring the enjoyment of sport to those with additional needs. Additionally, helping out on school trips, going to Carrowmena or volunteering to be an extra person in swimming classes, has been meaningful for me, and allowed my sister to have access to activities that might otherwise have been impossible. I’ve always aimed to create an environment where my sister feels comfortable and included, allowing her to bond with her classmates and experience the same joys as everyone else.

Sinead continued saying: “Through all these experiences, my main goal has always been to ensure that my sister leads a next-to-normal life, for her family to have made the necessary plans and adjustments to make each event as accessible as possible, filled with opportunities and friendships. I want to show that with the right support, children with additional needs can thrive just like their peers. I believe that every child deserves to be included, and I strive to inspire others to embrace inclusivity and compassion in their own lives, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and accepted. 

“Being a carer has not only shaped who I am but has also deepened my commitment to making a positive impact in my community. Over the years my caring role in my family and our involvement in the community has led me to becoming a carer as a part time job and I am thoroughly enjoying this role. Being a carer has not only shaped my identity but has also reinforced my commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, this has all come from me wanting to ensure my sister can be involved in everything she loves.”

On winning the award Sinead described it as ‘incredible’. 

She said: “It’s such an honour to be recognised for my efforts, and it motivates me to keep pushing myself to make a positive impact. I believe that every small act of kindness adds up, and this award is a reminder that what I do truly matters. This recognition isn’t just about me; it reflects the collective spirit of everyone I’ve worked with along the way. Each interaction, whether it’s lending a hand at a local event or simply being there for someone in need, contributes to a larger purpose. I’ve always felt that community service is about building connections and fostering a sense of belonging. When I see the smiles on people’s faces and the gratitude in their eyes, it reinforces my belief that we can all make a difference, no matter how small our efforts may seem.”

Looking towards the future Sinead continued: Receiving this award also inspires me to think about new ways I can contribute. I want to explore more opportunities to engage with different groups and tackle various challenges in our community. Whether it’s organising workshops, volunteering at local charities, or simply spreading awareness about important issues, I’m excited about the possibilities. Together, we can create a ripple effect of kindness and support that reaches far beyond what we can imagine.”