Nominate your lifeline service for a Laois Community and Voluntary Award

Laois County Council says it is delighted to welcome entries that the Health & Well Being Award as part of the Community and Voluntary Awards.

The Council says this award recognises and honours the remarkable hard work and dedication seen in the Communities of Laois.

The Local Authority said everyone is aware that health and well being is affected by aspects of life such as activity, nutrition, where we live and the relationships, we have with people around us.

Healthy Laois Co-Ordinator, Emma O’Connor says elaborates.

“This voluntary work acts as a lifeline to many people and provides meaningful daily activities and a sense of purpose, which helps reduce health inequalities and creates an environment where everybody can play their part. Very often, it is the ordinary actions of one person that create extraordinary outcomes for another,” she said.

The council says community groups, individuals, organisations or clubs, that promote physical and mental health and wellbeing in a wide variety of areas such as mental health, sexual health, awareness raising & promotion around medical conditions, disorders and disabilities, nutrition and social outlets or networks to enter.

The Council adds that Laois is fortunate to have access to some of the most beautiful countryside, parks, and leisure facilities in the country.

Ann Marie Maher is the Sports and Leisure Officer at Laois County Council.

“Everyday, I see groups of walkers, cyclists, runners, parents meeting in a playground, teenagers going to sports and activities, older adults meeting for a game of cards. This year I want to see the organisers, the planners, the workers of these activities, recognised and applauded for the work they do, simply because they love their community,” she said.

Laois County Council invites you to take a few minutes to look at who is quietly helping you or your families health and well being and consider nominating them, tell them their work is recognised, appreciated, and valued and so highlight the significance of their community engagement.

There are four ways to nominate by 4pm on August 4.

1. To submit a nomination, complete the online forms at www.laois.ie or on https://consult.laois.ie

2. Log onto the Consultation Portal https://consult.laois.ie

3. Download the 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: Hardcopy nomination forms are available from the Community Section, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise- tel no. 057 86 64236.

Laois County Council is partnered in the Awards by Laois PPN with sponsors by People First Credit Union, Laois Volunteer Centre.

The categories for 2023 are: Arts, Culture &Heritage; Sports; Best Kept Residential Area; Social Inclusion; Health and Well Being; Climate change; Unsung Hero; Junior Volunteer of the YearThe Leinster Express is Media Partner.