Lisburn mum wins national award for her work to improve the lives of disabled young people in Northern Ireland

Alma White won the Change Maker category of disability charity Contact’s Awards at a special ceremony last month hosted in the House of Lords.

The awards celebrate the extraordinary achievements and quiet heroism of families with disabled children across the UK.

During the evening Alma was praised for her tireless campaign work through Caleb’s Cause NI – a movement fighting for the rights of disabled young people to education and support beyond the age of 19.

Following the awards, Alma said: “Thank you to everyone who made the awards event such a special evening, I feel incredibly honoured to have won the ‘Change Maker’ award.

"I dedicate this to all our Caleb’s Cause young people and their families. They will always be at the heart of all I do.”

She was nominated by friend and fellow parent carer Jaclyn, who said: “Disabled young people face a cliff edge in care in Northern Ireland and Alma has been tireless in creating momentum to change this.

"While caring full-time for her son, she has mobilised thousands, engaged politicians, spoken at TEDx Stormont, and become a powerful voice for reform.”

Anna Bird, Chief Executive at Contact, said: "Huge congratulations to Alma for her wonderful win, which is so well deserved.

"Our awards are an important reminder that families with disabled children play an incredibly important role in our society, not only caring for their own family, but also often supporting a wider community with their insight, knowledge and compassion.

“It was an extremely moving and exciting evening and I want to applaud all the winners and runners up.

"What sets Contact apart is we understand what parent carers face every day. Not only shining a light on families, but helping them navigate the education, health and benefits systems, with invaluable advice.”

Contact’s Awards event was hosted by Lord Young of Cookham and attended by over 100 guests including families and MPs.