WATCH: Nominate Laois groups making a difference in social inclusion
Connect Laois CEO Caroline Lydon urges communities to get their nominations in
Laois communities are being urged to get their nominations in for the Social Inclusion Award at the Laois Community & Voluntary Awards 2026.
Speaking about the awards, Connect Laois CEO Caroline Lydon highlighted the importance of recognising the groups and organisations working to make communities across Laois more inclusive.
The Social Inclusion Award, proudly sponsored by Connect Laois, recognises clubs, groups and organisations that actively work to minimise social exclusion and improve quality of life for people who may face barriers within their communities.
This can include work supporting older people, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, the Traveller community, young people in transition, the LGBTI+ community and people experiencing homelessness.
The award is one of several categories in the Laois Community & Voluntary Awards, which celebrate the wide range of voluntary work taking place across the county.
Other categories include Arts, Culture & Heritage, Sports, Climate Action, Best Kept Residential Estate, Health & Wellbeing, Junior Volunteer of the Year and Unsung Hero.
Organised by Laois County Council in partnership with the Laois Public Participation Network and People First Credit Union.
The awards will culminate in a gala ceremony at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise on Friday, November 13.
The closing date for nominations is Friday, September 4, 2026, at 4pm.
If you know a Laois group making a real difference through social inclusion, get their nomination in before the deadline.