Shine a light on Laois voluntary heroes through the Laois Community & Voluntary Awards

Do you know someone who deserves recognition for their outstanding contributions?

If so, you can shine a spotlight on their work at the 2023 Laois Community Voluntary Awards.

Laois County Council is now accepting nominations for the awards in conjunction with Laois  Public Participation Network (PPN) and other award partners. The event is also supported by People First Credit Union as the Corporate Sponsor while the Leinster Express / Laois Live is honoured to be selected as media partner. 

The Awards, which were officially launched at County Hall in Portlaoise, acknowledge groups and individuals who, through their commitment to voluntary and community activities, have played a significant role in enhancing the quality of life in their communities.

The Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Thomasina Connell, launched the 2023 awards on May 24.

“I am pleased to announce the creation of the new categories,” she said. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured at County Hall for the launch were Carol Murphy (People First Credit Union), Anne Marie Kirrane (A/Administrative Officer Community Department), John Mulholland ( Chief Executive, Laois Co Council ) and Cllr Thomasina Connell (Cathaoirleach). Photo: Michael Scully 

“There are so many selfless individuals throughout the county, who freely give up their time, to help those within their community. These awards are a brilliant way to recognise the tireless work they do,” he said.

The Chief Executive of Laois County Council, John Mulholland, is giving his full backing to the awards because of the importance he places on volunteering.

“The willingness to volunteer is amongst the most noble of personal traits. It puts others before yourself and represents a selfless act of kindness to others in our community.

“These past few years have seen volunteerism at its best and volunteers throughout Co Laois have been magnificent in what they have provided to our community by way of assistance, support or just simply being there and being ready to help people in need.

“Volunteers have a great track record to make time to give to others in a diverse range of services, be it fundraising, helping neighbours or maybe organising local events for the betterment of their communities.

“Each year the Community & Voluntary Awards Event rightly celebrates and acknowledges the significant and highly valued role that volunteers play in our communities and Laois County Council is pleased as ever to host the event," he said.

Seán Dunne, CEO of People First Credit Union said, also supports the event.

“As a community embedded volunteer driven organisation, People First Credit Union is delighted to be associated with the Laois Community & Voluntary Awards 2023. We have hands-on experience of the time, effort, and dedication given by Volunteers to better their communities. And we strongly believe these efforts should be acknowledged and rewarded. Thank you for your work,” he said. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured at County Hall were: People First Credit Union representatives: Billy Fitzpatrick, Mary Carmody and Carol Murphy with Cllr  Connell ( Cathaoirleach) and Anne Marie Kirrane.

Paddy Buggy,  PPN Secretariat member said Laois PPN in collaboration with its long-term partners Laois County Council, is  delighted to launch Awards for 2023. 

“The Community & Voluntary Awards recognise the significant positive impact that Community Groups and their volunteers have in their local communities. Laois PPN would invite nominations to the Community & Voluntary Awards to celebrate and recognise those who enhance the quality of life in our communities in Laois,” he said.

Pat Somers, Leinster Express and Laois Live Editor, said it was an honour to be media partner in such important awards.

"Volunteers are the lifeblood of local communities and their selfless work deserves due recognition. The Leinster Express is privileged to play its part in honouring the tireless work that goes on in local communities," he said.

 Categories for 2023 are:

- Arts, Culture &Heritage award

- Sports Award

- Best Kept Residential Area award

- Social Inclusion Award

- Health and Well Being Award

- Climate change Award (new category)

- Unsung Hero Award

- Junior Volunteer of the Year

More INFO ON AWARD CATEGORIES BELOW ENTRY

Four ways to  nominate:

1. 1. To submit a nomination, simply complete the online forms at  www.laois.ie/departments/community/community-voluntary awards-2023/
2. 2. Log onto the Consultation Portal  https://consult.laois.ie
3. 3. Download nomination form  from  www.laois.ie/departments/community/community-voluntary-awards-2023/ and email  completed form to: awards@laoiscoco.ie or post hardcopy to Community Section, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise
4. 4 Hardcopy nomination forms  are available from the Community Section, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise- tel no. 057-8664078.

For further information on the Terms & Conditions, please call 057-8664078 or email awards@laoiscoco.ie 

The closing date for receipt of Nominations is Friday, July 14, 2023 at 4 pm.

ABOUT the categories BELOW PICTURE:

Pictured: Patricia O'Rourke (Community Section), Anne Marie Kirrane (A/Administrative Officer Community Department), Carol Murphy (People First Credit Union), Dan Bergin (Laois PPN), Cllr Thomasina Connell (Cathaoirleach), Conor Ganly (Deputy Editor, Leinster Express), John Mulholland (Chief Executive Officer, Laois Co Council) and Billy Fitzpatrick (People First Credit Union). Photo: Michael Scully

Arts, Culture &Heritage award
Recognises 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.

Sports Award:
Focuses on groups or schools, who have focused on physical health, increasing the number of people participating in the sport, particularly those with a low participation rate.

Best Kept Residential Area award
Recognises the hard work and dedication shown in residential areas 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.

Social Inclusion Award
Recognises groups and rrganisations 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, Travelling Community, Young people in transition, LGBTI+ and the Homeless.

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

New category Climate Change 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.

Junior Volunteer of the Year:
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 encourage, support, lead and inspire others in your community.

Unsung Hero Award
You can also make an individual nomination for an Unsung Hero Award, for an outstanding contribution by one person, to community and voluntary life in their local area and/or the wider community in Co Laois.

For further information on the Terms & Conditions, please call 057-8664078 or email awards@laoiscoco.ie

Reminder that the closing date for receipt of Nominations is Friday, July 14 2023 at 4.00pm