Refreshed Laois Community and Volunteer Awards to honour heroes at gala night

The heroes of local communities across the County of Laois will be celebrated by Laois County Council in association with Laois Public Participation Network and sponsored by People First Credit Union Portlaoise this Friday, November 3, when over 260 people will gather for the 14th Anniversary Gala Community and Voluntary Awards, in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise.  

The Awards are hosted to recognise the tremendous contribution made by community and voluntary groups to life in County Laois. They are also supported by the Laois Volunteer Centre, Laois Sports Partnership while the Leinster Express / Laois Live is the media partner. 

All nominees will be recognised for making a significant difference within and beyond their local community, through giving of their time, co-operation, their imagination, and their hard work to achieve rewards of successful clubs, events and fundraising within the community.

These awards have been judged by PPN Representatives from around Ireland and the eagerly awaited results will be announced on the night. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Representatives of the various organisations supporting pictured at the Awards launch earlier in 2023 at Laois County Council. Pic: Michael Scullly

The Master of Ceremonies on the night will be RTE’s Justin Treacy, a native of  Laois.

This year marks a change in the awards. The categories were refreshed, to give more people an opportunity to enter. 

The 2023 edition includes a brand new category - the  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.

The 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.

Next up there is the Best Kept Residential Estate / Area 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 continues to put in a huge effort, on behalf of the places where they live. 

The Health and Well Being 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 and 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 include: Drama groups, youth activities, mental health support groups, healthy eating programmes, sexual health, social network groups, scouts, and people with differing abilities.

The Arts, Culture and 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.

The  Social Inclusion Award recognises groups or 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, Travelling Community, young people in transition, LGBTI+ and the homeless.

Finally, the Junior Volunteer of the Year award recognises the outstanding contribution young people throughout the county, have made to their local community. 

Every community has individuals who are boundless in their energy and determination to get things done. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured: Unsung Hero 2022 was Liz Clear with Minister of State Sean Fleming. Picture: Michael Scully

Each group and individual nominated will be presented with a Certificate acknowledging their contribution to the community and voluntary effort in Laois. 

One of the most anticipated awards each year goes to an individual, who the judges believe puts in such effort that they can be regarded as somewhat of an Unsung Hero, for the work they do. 

The winner of each category will receive €500, while the runner-up will receive €250.