Helping Laois connect for wellbeing in the community

Laois people are encouraged to do something extra for their health and wellbeing at the start of October by taking part in the annual Laois Connects Week.

Running since 2013, the annual health and wellbeing event sees voluntary and statutory agencies uniting to promote an awareness of mental, physical health and emotional wellbeing in the community.

The 2025 edition of Laois Connects is led once again by Laois County Council and takes place from October 6 to 12. The Council's CEO Michael Rainey invited people to take part.

“Laois Connects is a cornerstone event in the county’s calendar, and I welcome this year’s theme, community. It’s a reminder that we are stronger together, and that connection, compassion, and support are vital to our mental wellbeing. I encourage people of all ages to take part in the wide range of events on offer throughout the programme. Let’s prioritise our mental health and wellness. Not just this week, but every day,” he said.

Cllr Barry Walsh, Council Cathaoirleach, also urged the public to participate in a statment to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“Looking after our mental health is something we all need to prioritise, no matter our age or stage in life. Laois Connects highlights simple, everyday ways to support our wellbeing — from staying active and connecting with others, to reaching out for help when needed. Remember, support is always available, and taking care of your mental health is a strength,” he said.

The local authority says events are happening throughout the county, with something for everyone in the schedule on offer.

There will be opportunities to learn a new craft with a beginner's crochet course in Portlaoise Library from LOETB, which aims to focus minds on craft instead of the everyday.

Durrow Library hosts Art Classes, while the knitting and crochet clubs at libraries in Stradbally and Abbeyleix, Mountrath and Portlaoise welcome you, as does Rathdowney Library sewing club.

A Crafty Ladies group invites you to the Portlaoise Family Resource Centre.

Song and dance is also on the agenda with line dancing at St Mary’s Bingo featuring Maureen Culletion. Maureen is also hosting a special brush dancing Sean Nós event in Rosenallis for Ukrainian families.

The Wednesday Singers will be at the Portlaoise Family Resource Centre. This group are part of the One Town One Voice initiative nationally. Laois Connects organisers say evidence shows how singing as part of a group positively contributes to improving mental health.

Creativity for wellbeing also features at the Dunamaise Arts Centre, where the Ora quartet will perform some exciting and varied classical music.

A Climate Change Cabaret also features at the Dunamaise Arts Centre. It features some of Ireland's hottest cabaret performers who aim to turn climate conversation on its head.

The Dunamaise also hosts a Bee is for Bingo family-friendly event

The health benefits of reading will also be featured with a book club at Rathdowney Library. Portlaoise library also hosts a Literature at 11 meet up featuring poetry and prose readings by staff members with tea, coffee and chats. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Libraries in Portlaoise and other towns will host events during Laois Connects.

Physical activity is also on the agenda. People are invited to Fit4Life at St. Abban’s Athletic Club. It is a walking and jogging programme which allows participants to choose to walk or jog around a 400 metrr track or a 1.3 kilometre all weather track.
Laois Connects also features early morning circuit classes for women with Seva Strength in Portlaoise.

A Pilates Programme is on the menu at Portarlington Community Centre.

Children and adults are invited to try the popular Vicarstown Park Runs.

Garryhinch Wood near Port hosts a Walk for Wellbeing on World Mental Health Day, October 11.

Men's Sheds Groups are also hosting Sheds for Life walking programmes.

St Mary's Hall in Portlaoise will be a venue for Chair Pilates, while a six-week self-defence programme for women begins in the National Enterprise Park.

A six-week fitness course for women gets underway in Killeshin Community Hall.

Games also help our wellbeing. The public is invited to a puzzle club and a chess club at Portarlington Library. People are also welcome to a ‘Finding Words’ Scrabble Club at Portlaoise Library, while the Bridge Club welcomes people to join them in Abbeyleix Library.

Laois Partnership is hosting a Connect Cafe on October 10 to meet others.

Learning the cúpla focail is another activity at Ciorcal Comhrá in leabharlann Durrow, Portlaoise and Abbeyleix.

Laois Sports Partnership, Laois PPN, Laois Partnership Company, Portlaoise Youth and Family Resource Centre, Mountmellick Community School, Laois Offaly Education and Training Board, Laois Libraries, Dunamaise Arts Centre, Jigsaw Laois Offaly and Youthwor Laois.

READ ALSO: Heather Humphreys visits Portlaoise

For more details on dates, times and locations visit https://laois.ie/community/laois-connects

An Laois Connects events brochure also contains the names and contacts for various helpful services.

The week was launched at County Hall in Portlaoise by Dan Bergin, Laois PPN, Tom Curran – Laois age Friendly Coordinator, Cllr Barry Walsh – Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Patricia O’ Rourke from Laois County Council Climate Action Section and Pat Delaney – Acting Director of Service - Integration, Community & Environment at Laois County Council.