Tap into reservoir of young Laois volunteer talent

Laois community groups and local organisations are being urged to sign up to an expo in Mountmellick next month that aims to get more young people to volunteer in their localities.

Laois Volunteer Centre and Mountmellick Community School have teamed up again to host the ‘Ógra Live Well Expo’ on Wednesday, November 12.

The event will see schools from across Laois descend on Mountmellick where hundreds of pupils will learn more about volunteer opportunities across a range of different areas that are vital to community life in Laois.

The organisers say the event also aims to nurture positive mental health, wellbeing, and sustainability among young people. To this end, the event it is also part of the Laois Connects programme which is an initiative led by Laois County Council which promotes activities that promotes well-being at all ages in Laois.

More than 30 not-for-profit organisations and charities hosted stands at the event in 2024 to provide information about their work and services.

The Centre and the school explained what's involved in an invited to organisations and community groups.

“We would like to invite you to host a stand at our event as it will be a wonderful opportunity for you to raise awareness about your organisation and to promote your service to primary and post-primary students.

“Last year we had over 1,200 students attend on the day. It will also be a useful networking tool as we are inviting many other organisations to host stands. More below photo.

“The event will host a number of guest speakers, who will talk about mental health and young people. A panel discussion will also take place in the main school hall, a public speaking competition in the local town library and much, much more,” said the invite.

Apart from providing a platform for connections to be made, there will also be lots of fun.

“Throughout the day there will also be fun activities like Zumba dancing, aerobics demonstrations, live music, DJ, choirs, games, quizzes, raffles, mini company products, competitions and much more,” said the organisers.

The Manager of Laois Volunteer Centre Caitriona Ryan said the expo was a great opportunity for not-for-profit organisations or charities in the county to promote the work of their organisation to young people and to hopefully, plant the seed of volunteering.

Mountmellick Deputy Principal, Frances Kerry-La Rosa said of last year's event. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

"Today's young people are tomorrow's workforce and the next generation. “We need to equip them with life skills, the ability to help themselves initially if they can and then provide them with the knowledge about where to go or who to contact when they need further support,” she said.

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The event takes place on Wednesday, November 12 from 11 am to 3 pm at Mountmellick Community School. To book your stand please email frances.kerry@mountmellickcs.ie