Get nominating Laois' unsung heroes for this year's community and voluntary awards

Nominations are open for the  2024 Community & Voluntary Awards which 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.

Laois County Council in conjunction with Laois PPN and their long-standing sponsor People First Credit Union, wish to recognise community organisations and individuals who work tirelessly in their communities.

This year’s categories are as follows:

Arts, Culture & Heritage Award – This award recognises groups and 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. – Sponsored by LCC Arts & Heritage Sections

Social Inclusion Award – This award recognises Groups/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.
Sponsored by Laois Partnership Company

Sports Award - This award is to recognise and celebrate group in our local communities from clubs, and community organisations that go above and beyond in their efforts to promote community sport and physical activity opportunities.  This award aims to acknowledge groups or organisations that provide a leading role in their communities to help to improve the quality of life and reduce barriers to participation through physical activity or sports. 
Sponsored by Laois Sports Partnership

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. Sponsored by LCC Climate Action Section

Best Kept Residential ESTATE Award - This 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 continue to put in a huge effort, on behalf of the places where they live.
Sponsored by LCC Environment Section.

Health and Well Being Award - This award recognises community health and wellbeing initiatives i.e. mental health, sexual health, awareness raising & promotion around medical conditions, disorders, and disabilities, including opportunities for social connections, increased meaningful daily activities, developing confidence and providing a sense of purpose & positive self-worth for citizens in the community. Sponsored by Laois Local Community & Development Committee (LCDC)

Junior Volunteer of the Year Award
This 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. Sponsored by Laois Volunteer Centre.

Each group and individual nominated will be presented with a Certificate acknowledging their contribution to the community and voluntary effort in Laois. There will also be award winners and runners up across a range of categories. 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. Individuals can be nominated for the Junior Volunteer of the Year and Unsung Hero Awards.

So, go ahead and get nominating your local community and voluntary groups and individuals.

Nomination forms are available online at www.laois.ie, www.ppn.ie and www.peoplefirstcu.ie

Remember the date!! Closing Date for receipt of Nominations is July 26, 2024 at 4.00pm.