All Abilities Laois wins Laois Community & Voluntary Award Social Inclusion Award #Laoisawards25

All Abilities Laois is the winner of the Social Inclusion Award at the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards 2025.

The Social Inclusion Award recognises groups and organisations that actively work in a supportive role in their communities and whose aim is to minimise social exclusion and help to improve the quality of life for socially excluded groups.

The Award organisers explained why the group was the deserving winner of the category award, which was presented at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise. 

"All Abilities Ireland is based in Laois, is a leading advocate for neurodiversity, providing vital support to individuals and families managing Autism, ADHD, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, and other conditions. Through innovative psycho-social and psycho-educational programmes, the organisation reaches over 9,000 young people online each year, ensuring that no one feels excluded.

"Their popular Sensory Tents at major events like Kaleidoscope Festival and Electric Picnic offer a safe, welcoming space for families to relax and engage in creative activities such as arts and crafts, Lego, and playdough. These initiatives have received overwhelmingly positive feedback, highlighting the group’s commitment to adapting activities to suit all abilities.

"Beyond festivals, All Abilities runs sensory camps, school training, and community events across Laois and neighbouring counties. They collaborate with charities including ADHD Ireland, Dyspraxia Ireland, Chime, and Canteen, often providing free or reduced-rate interventions to those in need. Upcoming plans include sensory day camps, parent connection groups, online social clubs for children, and art therapy programmes.

"Affiliated with Youth Work Ireland and powered by dedicated volunteers, All Abilities ensures every grant and donation directly benefits families. Their mission is simple yet powerful, to nurture, inspire, and create inclusive spaces where everyone belongs," said the citation.

Olivia Fitzgerald Murphy of Leitrim Public Participation Network noted that All Abilities is an amazing group with a huge range of services. What struck her is that they don't just assist the people of Laois their services reach beyond the county borders, this shows an amazing dedication.

"The volunteers should be applauded and even get a parade for their work, dedication and belief in All Abilities. These people and their ideas are so deserving of this award," she said.

The winners received a Galway Crystal Plate and prize money of €500. The runner-up in this category, the Laois Traveller Action Group, received €250 in prize money. 

Members of the Laois Traveller Action Group accepting the runner-up prize 

John Oxley, Chairman of the Laois Public Participation Network, presented the runner-up and winner prizes in this category.

This award was sponsored by Laois Partnership Company, which delivers a range of rural, social, and economic programmes across Laois.

The other nominees in this category were:

• Midlands LGBT + Project
• Portlaoise Active Retirement Association
• Portlaoise Panthers All Inclusion team
• Social Services Borris-in-Ossory
• Laois Pride
• Women’s Shed Portlaoise
• Borris-In-Ossory Men’s Shed
• One Voice with God
• Laois Africa Support Group
• Tigh Mochua Le Cheile - Tower & Bean Coffee Shop
• O’Moore Place Allotment Group.

The award was presented at a gala reception in the Midlands Park Hotel on Friday, November 21.

This is the 16th year of the awards, which were hosted by Laois County Council in association with Laois Public Participation Network and sponsored by People First Credit Union, Laois Sports Partnership, Laois Partnership and Laois Volunteer Centre.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live is the official media partner.