Laois County Council in conjunction with Laois PPN, are delighted to announce the launch of the 2022 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 2022 are:
Arts, Culture & Heritage – 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 – 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 – 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 – which 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.
Click here for the Community Awards Nomination Form 2022
Winners receive €500 while runners-up receive €250. So, go ahead and get nominating your local community and voluntary groups and individuals
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.
Click here for the Unsung Hero Nomination Form 2022
2022 marks the introduction of a new Category:
Junior Volunteer of the Year
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.
Click here for the Junior Volunteer of the Year Nomination Form 2022
You can also fill out the nomination form online through the Laois County Council Portal, please click here.
For further information on the Terms & Conditions, please call 057-8664078 or email awards@laoiscoco.ie
Closing date has been extended to Friday 19th August 2022, 4:00pm