Laois Community & Voluntary Awards 2023

🌟 Call for Nominations! 🌟

We’re excited to announce that we’re 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!

Closing Date for receipt of nominations is extended to Friday, 4th August, 2023 at 4.00pm

Laois Community & Voluntary Awards 2023

Laois County Council in conjunction with Laois PPN and our corporate sponsors People First Credit Union , 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.

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 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 an exciting new 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.

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

How can I nominate?

Click here to make an online submission/s on our Consultation Portal.
Alternatively, using the links below you can download a hardcopy of the form

and either send by email to awards@laoiscoco.ie or post to Community & Voluntary Awards Section, Community Department, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise

A hardcopy Nomination Form is also available by contacting the Community Section, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise on 057-8664311.

Closing Date for receipt of nominations is Friday, 4th August, 2023 at 4.00pm

For further information on the Terms & Conditions, please email awards@laoiscoco.ie or contact us on 057-8674311

Help us celebrate the remarkable individuals in our community! Nominate someone today and let their extraordinary stories inspire others.

#NominationsOpen #RecognisingExcellence #CommunityHeroes #Inspiration