Latest Laois Event: Laois Community & Voluntary Awards now accepting nominations
Laois Community & Voluntary Awards 2023
🌟 Call for Nominations! 🌟
We’re excited to announce that Laois County Council is now accepting nominations for our upcoming Community & Voluntary Awards. Do you know someone who deserves recognition for their outstanding contributions? This is your chance to shine a spotlight on them!
Laois County Council in conjunction with Laois PPN, are delighted to announce the launch of the 2023 Laois Community & Voluntary Awards, to 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, launching the 2023 Laois Community & Voluntary Awards, said “ I am pleased to announce the creation of the new categories. 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”.
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,” noted the Chief Executive of Laois County Council, John Mulholland. “These past few years have seen volunteerism at its best and volunteers throughout County 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.”
Seán Dunne, CEO, People First Credit Union said, “As a community-embedded volunteer-driven organisation, People First Credit Union are 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.”
Paddy Buggy, PPN Secretariat member said, “Laois PPN in collaboration with our long-term partners Laois County Council are delighted to launch the Community & Voluntary 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.”
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.”
So, go ahead and get nominating your local community and voluntary groups and individuals.
Categories for 2023 are:
Arts, Culture & Heritage award– which 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 – which 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– which 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- which 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.
Health and Well Being Award – which 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. Example: Drama Groups, Youth Activities, Mental Health Support Groups, Healthy Eating Programmes, Sexual health, Social Network groups, Scouts and people with differing abilities
2023 marks the introduction of a new exciting Category:
Climate Change Award
Award which 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.
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 County Laois.
Junior Volunteer of the Year
which 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.
How do I nominate?
To submit a nomination, simply click on the link below
- complete the online forms that are available to you on https://laois.ie/departments/community/community-voluntary-awards-2023/
- Log onto the Consultation Portal https://consult.laois.ie which will be Live for Nominations from Friday, 26th May, 2023.
- Download Nomination form from https://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
- Hardcopy Nomination forms (only if required) are also available by contacting 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
Closing Date for receipt of Nominations is Friday, 14th July, 2023 at 4.00pm
Help us celebrate the remarkable individuals in our community! Nominate someone today and let their extraordinary stories inspire others.
#NominationsOpen #RecognisingExcellence #CommunityHeroes #Inspiration