Laois Live Well project shortlisted for national award

Healthy Laois and Age Friendly Laois have been shortlisted for the Age Friendly Communication Award at the 2024 National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards.

Their innovative Live Well Project was shortlisted for their 'exceptional contribution to making Ireland an outstanding place to grow older.'

Recognised by Age Friendly Ireland, these projects exemplify best practices which are both impactful and can inspire similar efforts across the country. 

Healthy Laois welcomed this news.

“Live Well is a new style of event that facilitates organisations, service providers and Laois Communities to gather in one place, to communicate and showcase the wide variety of supports services, and programmes that are available to and benefit older people and the communities they live in," a spokesperson said.

 "This one-day Health and Wellbeing event focuses on the social and economic determinants of health, in an accessible location, and incorporates 108 information stands, complimented by a full programme of talks and demonstrations, free health checks coupled with dedicated supports such as free refreshments, travel and entry, to ensure barriers are reduced and universal accessibility.

"Live Well’s documented core model, with provision for further expansion, can be replicated across the country. 2000 attendees gave enormously positive feedback, whilst numerous new ensuing programme collaborations, have ringfenced this event as a core strategic tool in Laois, with leaders Age Friendly Laois and Healthy Laois," the group finished.

The annual awards celebrate individuals, organisations, and agencies nationwide that are spearheading initiatives to improve the lives of older adults in Ireland. The 2024 awards ceremony will take place on 7 November at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Northwood, Santry, Dublin, hosted by Fingal County Council. 

The 2024 National Age Friendly Awards include eight categories, each aligned with a World Health Organization (WHO) Age Friendly Theme. These include awards for best in Age Friendly Transport; Active and Healthy Ageing; Business Innovation; Safety and Security; Communications; Environment; Community Innovation; and Housing. 

 Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer of the Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service congratulated the shortlisted projects.

"The shortlisted projects represent the gold standard of innovation and dedication, showcasing how communities are coming together to improve the quality of life for older adults across Ireland," she said.

"These initiatives stand out not only for their immediate impact but also for their potential to be replicated across the country." 

Previous winners of the National Age Friendly Awards have included initiatives such as Healthy Islands, Specsavers, and the Dublin City Council Central Area Office. 

 The full list of 2024 shortlisted projects can be seen here.

For more information about this year’s awards and to learn about all the finalists, visit agefriendlyireland.ie.