In Pictures: Amazing activities for Laois Connects Week 2024

Laois Connects Week 2024 has come to a close, and saw various programmes surrounding mental and physical health. 

The event ran from Monday October 7, to Sunday October 13. The week of events was kicked off with a ballroom dancing event in Portlaoise Parish Centre, and finished on a high note with a 14km cycle from Clough village on Sunday.

This year’s theme was “connecting” and throughout the week, activities were held to connect people with themselves, others, music, nature, sport, craft and much more.

"The benefits of connecting are proven and there were plenty of opportunities to do just this throughout Laois during the week," a spokesperson for Laois Connects said.

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Pictured: Laois Live Well Expo in Laois County Council Chambers

"For lovers of music and dance, there was a performance by the Sing for Joy Choir and Sequence Dancing lessons in Portlaoise. Jiving lessons commenced in Crettyard," Tom Curran, Senior Staff Officer of Laois County Council's Community section said.

"Getting out and active is also so important and activities were provided for all ages and abilities with Laois Sports Partnership providing Fun Days for all abilities, chair yoga, Pilates, and even aqua aerobics!

"The sports section of Laois County Council provided Chi Walking activities in Portlaoise, Portarlington, Abbeyleix and Stradbally," he said.

Dunamaise Arts centre hosted a movie screening of Irish movie “The Sparrow” for Transition Year students.

"The writer and director of the movie, Michael Kinirons joined the students after the movie to discuss the making of the movie and the themes within it. There was a question-and-answer session with students asking some very insightful questions of him. Dunamaise also hosted Bressie with his live podcast “Where is my Mind” where Dr Eddie Murphy joined him," Mr Curran explained.

Other events during the week including a mindfulness workshop at Portlaoise Family resource centre, sound meditation at Portlaoise Library, a “Minding your mental health” event in Mountmellick with the HSE, Social Prescribing Laois and GROW mental health.

Laois Connects 2024 also saw the official launch of Ógra Live Well Expo, which will take place in November and will highlight all the supports and services available to young people in Laois to help improve their health and wellbeing.

 Laois Connects has been a cornerstone of the community since 2013, promoting awareness of mental health, physical health, and emotional wellbeing. The initiative aims to reduce stigma and encourage support at all levels. For more information about Laois Connects and to find contact details for participating groups and services, please visit Laois.ie/laoisconnects.