More time to nominate your Laois volunteers of the Year

The deadline for nominations to the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards 2026 has been extended to mid-September to allow communities more time to select people and groups they believe deserve recognition for their efforts to make the localities and Laois a better place to live.

The Community and Voluntary Awards, hosted by Laois County Council in partnership with Laois Public Participation Network (PPN) and longstanding corporate sponsor People First Credit Union, celebrate the incredible contribution of volunteers, community organisations and voluntary groups who dedicate their time, energy and passion to improving the lives of others throughout County Laois.

The organisers have announced that the application deadline is now Wednesday, September 16 at 4pm.

They say the awards provide an opportunity to recognise the individuals and groups whose commitment strengthens communities, supports inclusion, promotes wellbeing, protects the environment, celebrates culture and heritage, and enhances the quality of life for people across the county.

The highlight of the awards programme will be the Laois Community & Voluntary Awards Gala Ceremony, which will take place on Friday, November 13 this year, at The Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise, where nominees and guests from across the county will come together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Laois' volunteers.

Last year’s event brought together 300 people to celebrate the invaluable contribution of volunteers across Laois. The event was extensively covered by the Leinster Express / Laois Live which is the official media partner. The publication will be present again this year on the awards night to bring coverage of the celebration to the wider Laois Community.

"We look forward to welcoming even more people this year as we come together once again to recognise and celebrate their achievements.

“Everyone is encouraged to consider the volunteers and community groups who make a difference in their area and submit a nomination,” say the organisers.

Applications are open online at https://laoiscoco.submit.com or a hard copy can be requested by emailing [email protected].

The awards partners are Laois Volunteer Centre, Connect Laois (formerly Laois Partnership) and the Laois Sports Partnership. 

This year’s Laois Community and Voluntary Awards categories are below photo:

Arts, Culture & Heritage Award

This award recognises clubs/groups/organisations who enhance their local areas, by conserving, protecting and promoting the arts, culture and heritage of their local community through collective creative activities.

Examples include: drama, music, literature, arts, festivals, conservation and heritage.

This award is proudly sponsored by Laois Arts & Heritage sections in Laois County Council.

Sports Award

This award is to recognise and celebrate group in our local communities from clubs, and community organisations that go above and beyond in their efforts to promote community sport and physical activity opportunities. This award aims to acknowledge groups or organisations that provide a leading role in their communities to help to improve the quality of life and reduce barriers to participation through physical activity or sports.

This award is proudly sponsored by Laois Sports Partnership.

Climate Action Award

This award recognises communities carrying out awareness initiatives and/or actions that make a positive contribution against climate change. Climate actions can encourage your community to improve the impact of their everyday choices, support local communities and foster a sustainable approach to protecting the environment.

This award is proudly sponsored by Laois Climate Action Section in Laois County Council.

Best Kept Residential Estate Award

This award recognises the hard work and dedication shown in Residential Estates throughout Laois, recognises the great pride people have in their own communities, recognise the value of our biodiversity and continued to put in a huge effort, on behalf of the places where they live.

Please note that Tidy Towns groups are not eligible to be nominated under this category.

This award is proudly sponsored by Laois Environmental Section in Laois County Council. MORE BELOW PHOTO

Social Inclusion

This award recognises clubs/groups/organisations that actively work in a supportive role in their communities and whose aim is to minimise social exclusion and/or help to improve the quality of life for socially excluded groups.

Examples include: Working with the elderly, people with disabilities, ethnic minority, the Travelling community, young people in transition, LGBTI+ and the homeless.

This award is proudly sponsored by Connect Laois.

Health & Wellbeing Award

This award recognises community health and wellbeing groups, i.e., mental health, sexual health, awareness raising & promotion around medical conditions, disorders and disabilities, increased meaningful daily activities, developing confidence and providing a sense of purpose & positive self-worth for citizens in the community.

This award acknowledges Community groups, Organisations and Clubs that promote physical and mental health and wellbeing, focusing on prevention and keeping people healthier for longer. including opportunities for social connections. MORE BELOW PHOTO

Examples: drama groups, youth activities, mental health support groups, healthy eating programmes, sexual health, social network groups, scouts and people with differing abilities.

This award is proudly sponsored by Laois Local Community Development Committee in Laois County Council.

Junior Volunteer of the Year Award

This award recognises the outstanding contribution that an individual under the age of 18 has made to their local community. Every community has individuals who are boundless in their energy and determination to get things done – so nominate your Junior Volunteer of the Year who encourages, supports, leads and inspires others in your community.

This award is proudly sponsored by Laois Volunteer Centre.

Unsung Hero

This award should be used to nominate an individual in recognition of their significant contribution to community and voluntary life in Laois