Author: laois community

A public meeting of Laois County Joint Policing Committee will be held in the Council Chambers, Laois County Council, JFL Avenue, Portlaoise on:

Monday, 21^st November 2022 at 3.30pm

The function of a Joint Policing Committee is to serve as a forum for consultations, discussions and recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the local authority administrative area. Members of the public have the right to make their views known and submit questions to the Joint Policing Committee. Questions will be accepted by the Joint Policing Committee from any individual member of the public, or collectively from any group/organisation.

Questions in relation to the above, or any other relevant topic, should be submitted in advance in writing to Ms. Anne Marie Kirrane, A/Administrative Officer, Community Development, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, by email to dce@laoiscoco.ie or by phone at Tel. (057) 8664060, no later than 4.30pm on Wednesday, 9^th November, 2022.

It should be noted that in certain circumstances, it may not be possible to provide the information requested. Name and contact details of those submitting the question should be supplied but will not necessarily be publicised at the meeting.

County Laois Joint Policing Committee – Annual Public Meeting

A public meeting of Laois County Joint Policing Committee will be held in the Council Chambers, Laois County Council, JFL Avenue, Portlaoise on:

Monday, 21^st November 2022 at 3.30pm

The function of a Joint Policing Committee is to serve as a forum for consultations, discussions and recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the local authority administrative area. Members of the public have the right to make their views known and submit questions to the Joint Policing Committee. Questions will be accepted by the Joint Policing Committee from any individual member of the public, or collectively from any group/organisation.

Questions in relation to the above, or any other relevant topic, should be submitted in advance in writing to Ms. Anne Marie Kirrane, A/Administrative Officer, Community Development, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, by email to dce@laoiscoco.ie or by phone at Tel. (057) 8664060, no later than 4.30pm on Wednesday, 9^th November, 2022.

It should be noted that in certain circumstances, it may not be possible to provide the information requested. Name and contact details of those submitting the question should be supplied but will not necessarily be publicised at the meeting.

Members of Laois Comhairle na nÓg and Steering Committee  at their Steering Committee meeting in the Youth Café, Portlaoise held on 5^th October 2022.

Laois prepares for the annual one day-access blitz which is #MakeWayDay22.

 Every corner of Ireland will be put to the test for basic access issues on Friday, September 30^th, when the Make Way Day campaign returns.

Laois County Council will be supporting  #makewayday22 on Friday 30^th September by creating awareness, around the access issues faced by the people of Laois, as they go about their daily business.

“Make Way Day” is a campaign that brings the disability and wider community together,  to consider the needs of people with disabilities in the public spaces we all share.

For more information on this initiative Click here: http://makewayday.com/

It is led nationally by the Disability Federation of Ireland and is a unique collaboration across Ireland and the voluntary and local government sectors. But most of all it’s about people with disabilities.

                “Hey, this blocks my way!” is our message.

It’s too easy for us to label these issues as not my problem. You may be right in thinking that the car indiscriminately parked on the footpath is not an inconvenience to you but some day it might.  Not everyone was born with their disability.  All of us are getting older and maybe less mobile as time goes by and navigating through cars parked on a footpath can be challenging.  Some of our citizens that may be visually impaired may experience difficulty, encountering an advertising board outside your business.  We all have a role to play in making our streets easier to navigate.

As part of Make Way Day 2022, Laois County Council in collaboration with IWA, NCBI, NLN & Rehabcare Portlaoise, Laois Sports Partnership &  Laois PPN and supported by Volunteer Laois will be conducting a number of Walkability Audits on Friday morning, 30^th September in the following locations:

• Portlaoise (departing the Parish Centre at 10.30am);
• Stradbally (departing Arthouse at 11.30am) and
• Rathdowney ( departing Cuan Bhride at 11.30am)

The objective of these audits is to identify what we can do to make our streets more accessible.

Remember everyone can get involved #MakeWayDay22.

Contact our Community Department, Laois County Council, if you wish to find out more on this initiative- 057-8664060 and/or 086-0653313 or email dce@laoiscoco.ie

Age Friendly Laois  launches “Reframing Aging” Campaign

Positive Ageing Week 2022 (PAW) runs from 25^th September to the 1^st October, 2022 and celebrates ageing and the contribution and agency of older people. The theme of PAW 2022 is Challenging Ageism -Reframing How We Think, Feel and Act about older age.

Laois County Council, through its  Age Friendly Laois & Healthy Laois programmes are fortunate to have interactions with the older Laois Community and can see first hand their capabilities, qualities, knowledge and experience. As part of the launch of “ Reframing Aging “ campaign , we have profiled some of them here. Healthy Laois, in delivering its Live Well, Age Well programme , aims to support its citizens in maintaining a healthy and happy lifestyle, regardless of age or ability.

The national Age Friendly Ireland Programme (info on agefriendly.ie) supports cities, counties and towns across Ireland to prepare for the rapid ageing of our population by paying increased attention to the environmental, economic and social factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults.

Age-friendly programmes work to provide walkable streets, housing and transportation options, access to key services and opportunities for older people to participate in community activities. By doing so, these communities are better equipped to become great places, and where appropriate lifelong homes, for people of all ages.

Ageism refers to how we think (Stereotypes), feel (Prejudice) and act (Discrimination) towards others or ourselves based on age. It is harmful and has far-reaching impacts on all aspects of people’s health- physical, mental & social well being. It takes a heavy economic toll on individuals and society. The Global campaign to combat Ageism states that 1 in 2 people worldwide are ageist, and that this is particularly true in Europe. They state that ageism affects us throughout life and that it exists in our institutions and our relationships and that ageism exacerbates other disadvantages an older person may have.

Ageism can be combatted through policy and law , but mainly through education and awareness. We must recognise, acknowledge and appreciate past , present and future contribution of the older people in our community and minimise any generational disconnect that exists. Ageism is difficult to understand as it is an inevitability that we all get old and we should treat older people as we ourselves would like to be treated in our own later years.

For more information on this campaign, or indeed anything relating to  the Age Friendly Laois programme, please contact Tom Curran on agefriendly@laoiscoco.ie or 05786 64150

For full press release, click this link

Creativity doesn’t Age

Trish Kelley tapped into her creative streak by joining Yarnbombing Mountmellick back in 2014. Trish hadn’t held a crochet hook since primary school. With a demanding career, she managed only to have enough time to be an ardent Liverpool supporter, and to do a little gardening.

Tapping into the right side of her brain has been a revelation. A nurse by profession, the health benefits of immersing oneself in crafting pursuits are irrefutable for Trish. Creativity is great for your health! Being a member of  a group whose tagline is “a herd of a different colour” is a prescription for wellbeing, improved brain neuroplasticity and cognitive function. Whether pondering colour combinations, puzzling over crochet patterns or pouring over YouTube tutorials, age is no barrier to innovation or imagination. Creativity has informed all areas of her life now. Attending Electric Picnic last weekend, she felt right at home amongst the colour, finding inspiration all around her. Trish quotes the author Ursula Le Guin “The creative adult is the child who survived.” A great message for us all!

Resilience doesn’t Age

Jim Fennelly is from Abbeyleix and worked with the ESB for 33 years until a workplace accident in 2007 meant that Jim has had to use a wheelchair since. This has not stopped Jim, however, and since his accident , he has devoted a lot of his life to a passion of his since the age of 12- photography. Jim’s images can be seen on JimKathleen Fennelly facebook page- his latest photos being from the Electric Picnic on his “ All Terrain Motorised Wheelchair”, which he says “can go anywhere”.  Being in a wheelchair hasn’t stopped Jim , and he remains as actively engaged with his community as ever, forming a camera club in his hometown of Abbeyleix , among other achievements. Jim can also be seen regularly at the Field equestrian centre, another love of his. Jim is a good conversationist and time flies by in his company.

He is a great example of how barriers got be got around or even knocked down!!!!!

Courage doesn’t Age

Viktor  & Liudmyla Shokhin came to Ireland in April 2022, after the outbreak of war in Ukraine, following their daughter & grandchildren who had come to Ireland in March. Vickor is a retired engineer and Liudmyla a retired teacher, who still hears from her former pupils in Ukraine. They made the decision to come to Ireland due to the war and to support their daughter and family. Viktor loved to fish in the rivers of Kyiv with his grandchildren and has brought them fishing in Ireland to continue that with them. It has been a huge change in their lives but they are adapting, with Liudmyla taking English classes to further help them to settle and support their family.

This year, the Laois Connects Programme, co-ordinated by Laois County Council will take place from the 1^st October to the 31^st of October 2022. Events are spread throughout the county and there should be something for everyone in the schedule of events.

Laois Connects organising Committee represents Laois County Council, Laois Sports Partnership, Laois PPN, HSE, Laois Partnership Company, Mental Health Ireland, Mountmellick Youth and Family Resource Centre, Mountmellick Community School, LOETB & Healthy Ireland.

For the full brochure of programme events visit https://laois.ie/departments/community/promoting-social-inclusion/#5

The Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Councillor Thomasina Connell  had the following message for the people of Laois;

“ The  Laois Connects initiative is important , especially in the current climate, where people may be under pressure or stressed. It steers us to thinking about our mental health & wellbeing, and it prompts us to prioritise it. The last number of years have been difficult, and it is vital that we take the time to look after ourselves- connecting to communities and talking to people is more important than ever.  The phrase “ A problem shared is a problem halved “ as ever, rings true and Laois Connects encourages the people of Laois to reach out to each other- friends, family, community, or to the many services that are there to help”

Ms. Josephine Rigney, Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention with the HSE and  a mmber of the Laois Connects Organisation Committee offers these words of advice and encouragement;

“Each and every day we are all faced with the challenges of life – some within our control and some which are outside of our control.  Because of this, it is so important that we take the time to focus on ourselves and our wellness, both mentally and physically.  What are the things that we can do to build up our emotional resilience and wellbeing?    Laois Connects reminds us that there are activities that we can all do to mind our emotional and mental health, whether this is keeping active, looking after our physical health, staying in touch with others,  having a chat if we need to talk about something, or just doing something that we enjoy and get meaning from.   Keeping ourselves mentally and physical well on an ongoing basis is a gift that we can give to ourselves and one that will enable us to navigate and cope with the ups and downs and challenges of everyday life.  It is important also to be aware that sometimes we may need some support from others and we don’t have to do it all on our own.  Reach out to your support system – family, friends or someone you can trust.  Connect in with the various supports and services that are available – they are there for you and anyone who may need some help and support.  Check out www.connectingforlifemidlandslouthmeath.ie or www.yourmentalhealth.ie or Freephone: 1800 111 888 for a list of local and national services. “

Finola Colgan Development Officer Mental Health Ireland Midlands Louth and Meath said;

” it is very timely to address mental health matters given the current changes taking place.. The theme of 2022’s World Mental Health Day, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is ‘Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority’. The overall aim is to  get the public to place mental health on a par with physical health. We all have mental health needs as we with physical health. However , when we find ourselves struggling, feeling unable to cope our mental health can be undermined. Laois Connects is providing a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our mental health and the supports that are available at such times. Equally important throughout the month  is the emphasis on activities that we can partake in to support and enhance our mental health.”

Among the events planned are Tai Chi Yoga classes, being offered by Laois County Council’s Sport and Leisure Department. These classes will be delivered at various locations throughout the county.

Laois Sports Partnership are delivering the Prime Time of Life program  along with the  Menowell program . Activator Pole sessions, which are always popular will also be scheduled throughout the month.

The Laois & Offaly Training Board (LOETB), in conjunction with Laois Libraries are providing a series of workshops on Mindfulness, along with Mindful Art sessions.

There will be a HSE information event taking place in Laois Shopping Centre on the 14^th of October and the Sing For Joy choir will be performing on the 19^th of October in the Parish Centre in Portlaoise.

A number of shows with a mental health theme will take place in Portlaoise & Portarlington, delivered by the Dunamaise Arts Theatre.

There is an opportunity to attend an open – mic event to discuss the topics of “Living with Hope” and “ Living with Loss”, two of the topics in the Laois Connects Podcast series, on 25^th October in the Parish Centre- http://laoispartnership.ie/ laois-connects-podcast/.

We encourage everyone to get out walking & running in the fresh air and we have listings of walks in Laois along with Park Run & Junior Park Run events .

Further details regarding dates, times, locations of all events can be found here https://laois.ie/departments/community/promoting-social-inclusion/#5

www.laois.ie

https://www.facebook.com/laoisconnects2022 #laoisconnects

@laoisconnects2022 (Instagram)

Some of the members of Laois Connects Organising Committee pictured with Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr. Thomasina Connell supporting the initiative.

World Suicide Prevention Day – Saturday 10th September is a time when we can spread the message and demonstrate to those in our lives and communities, that there is hope.   Even though suicide is a very complex issue, we should always signal to people who are vulnerable or experiencing suicidal thoughts, that we care and want to support them.  This helps to create a more compassionate society where those who need to, feel more comfortable in coming forward to seek help.

We can all contribute and play our part in creating hope in our society by engaging in the following actions:

• Increasing our awareness
• Reaching in to offer support
• Reaching out to seek support
• Being the light for others and your community
• Knowing where to turn for support and services

See the attached info piece/advert (which will be featured in all regional newspapers this week) and the link below for more detail with regard to these key actions:

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health-services/connecting-for-life/news/world-suicide-prevention-day-2022.html

Various events will be held throughout the coming weeks in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to suicide and to give and show support for their loves ones and others who have been affected by their death.

Friday 9^th September:                    Remembrance Mass: 10am – Laois Traveller Action Group, Bridge Street, Portlaoise.

Friday 9^th September:                    Remembrance Mass: 6pm – Offaly Traveller Movement, Hazel Hub, Tullamore.

Midland Living Links who provide a supportive listening service to those who have been bereaved through suicide have organised the following services and invite all members of the public to join them:   (Co-ordinator Mobile: 086 1600 641)

Saturday 17^th September:            Remembrance Mass and Tree of Hope Ceremony in the Tranquillity Garden:

11am – St. Brendan’s Catholic Church, Birr.

Sunday 25^th September:               Tree of Hope Ceremony: 2pm – Memorial Garden, 6 Ridge Road, Portlaoise.

Sunday 25^th September:               Tree of Hope Ceremony: 6.30pm – Brosna Park Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath.

Sunday 2^nd October:                      Remembrance Mass and Tree of Hope Ceremony:  12noon – St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Portarlington.

Pieta House provide a bereavement liaison service for those who have lost a family member or a friend or colleague to suicide and may like to avail of support with their grief.    Bernie Carroll is the Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer for the Midlands and she can be contacted on 086 418 0088 or email: bernie.carroll@pieta.ie.

The following supports and services are available for all who may need to avail of them:

Local GPs and MiDoc Out of Hours Services: Midlands 1850 302 702; North East: 1850 777 911.

The Emergency Services 999/112 and Hospital Emergency Departments

Pieta House 24/7 Suicide Helpline 1800 247 247; Text HELP to 51444, Therapy Services Team: 0818 111 126.

The Samaritans 116 123; email jo@samaritans.ie

24/7 Free Text Support Service:  Text HELLO to 50808 / www.text50808.ie

Information on mental health for yourself and others and details of supports and services: www.yourmentalhealth.ie /  1800 111 888

Online counselling supports:  www.turn2me.ie / www.mymind.org

www.connectingforlifemidlandslouthmeath.ie for information on local supports and services, and info leaflets on self-harm, suicide and bereavement support.  Also details on all training programmes available, dates and registration process – see below also.

www.stresscontrol.ie  provides details of ‘Taking Control with Stress Control’ online programmes running throughout September.

Free awareness and skills training are available from the HSE to help prepare you to be in a position to recognise when someone may be at risk of suicide and give you the confidence, language and skills to be able to assist and connect them with helpful supports and services.

Information regarding the LivingWorks Start self-directed online programme and face to face safeTALK (suicide alertness skills training) is outlined below and on the booking website: https://bookwhen.com/suicidepreventiontrainingmidlands

LivingWorks Start (self-directed online programme) is for those who want to help prevent suicide and develop the skills to assist someone who may be

at risk of suicide.  It can be completed in 1½ hours and includes a four-step model and impactful videos and simulations.

SafeTALK is a 3hr ‘suicide alertness’ programme that prepares participants to identify and engage with persons who may be having thoughts of suicide by using the steps of TALK (Tell, Ask, Listen and Keepsafe).   Individual safeTALK Workshops can be delivered upon request to groups with a min of 12 participants by contacting your local Resource Officer (contact below).

Upcoming workshops – Booking via: https://bookwhen.com/suicidepreventiontrainingmidlands

The prevention of loss of life through suicide requires the efforts of many – each and everyone of us, healthcare professionals, educators, community members and political officials and governments and the positive effects of all this collaborative, co-ordinated and integrated work can be sustainable and have a massive impact.  On September 10^th join with many others across the world who are playing their part in the prevention of suicide –  https://www.iasp.info/.     In all our own and unique ways, we can make a difference!

Closing Date Extended to 12 August

Laois County Council Arts Office announce Phase 4 of LLPPS funding and invite proposals and applications for artistic opportunities

LLPPS 4 – Proposals are invited for Local Live Performance Programming Scheme Phase 4 in respect of live performances in Laois. All events must take place by 31st October 2022.  The scheme aims to support employment and wellbeing through the provision of live performances, engaging the services of professional artists, musicians, producers, crew and other staff working in the live commercial arts and culture sectors in Laois. Closing date for applications is extended to Friday 12 August.  Forms available on Laois.ie Further details from the Laois Arts Office at artsoff@laoiscoco.ie

Culture Night: Friday 23^rd September from 4pm until late

We invite artists and communities and venues to help create an evening of open, free access to exhibitions, cultural spaces, performances, workshops, games and other cultural pursuits. Events can range from storytelling, cultural walks, poetry readings, open-mic, exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, dance performances, parades, all of which reflect the vibrancy and diversity of culture in County Laois. Applications can be made with description of event, location, time, and a photo if possible. Grants from €200 to €500

Closing date for applications is extended to Friday 12 August.  Forms available on Laois.ie  Further details from the Laois Arts Office at artsoff@laoiscoco.ie

Forms attached below.

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 ‘Protectour’ by artist James Hayes

‘Protectour’ is a large permanent artwork marking the gateway to Portlaoise town by Wicklow artist James Hayes. The artwork references the ‘footprint’ of the historic Old Fort in its layout whilst celebrating sport and participation to mark its location adjacent to O’Moore Park GAA grounds. The artwork was commissioned by Open Competition under the Government Per Cent for Art scheme by Laois County Council. This artwork is poured and polished concrete by local company Uniqrete.

The focal point of the artwork is a large portal that seeks to mark both past and present in reference to both the Old Fort and to the celebratory nature of sports, referencing the nearby O’Moore Park. Its structure is inspired by the footprint of the historic Old Fort, which was essentially a square fort with a square tower on one corner. Accompanying this portal are seven smaller forms, placed so that they sweep through in a curving and rotating composition. The seven smaller concrete forms represent the seven septs of Laois; O’Devoy (O’Deevy), O’Doran, O’Dowling, McEvoy, O’Kelly, O’Lalor and O’Moore. These are the original Gaelic clans that were then “transplanted” out of Laois to Munster and Connaught.  The large portal and the smaller forms represent a historic transfer of power in Laois.

The piece is large and bright enough to be easily visible from a distance by pedestrians and drivers and can be taken in “at a glance”.  It is anticipated that the artwork will in time become a focal point, a place of interest, a landmark of both the approach and exit to Portlaoise.

It was important that this new artwork for Portlaoise reflected the time, place and space of the local community. James Hayes, with assistance from the Laois Arts Office engaged with a number of local interest groups and schools during the Covid pandemic to create and gather material for a time capsule that is now hidden away inside the artwork. The time capsule will, when it is opened in future years, reflect the happenings in the lives of these people over the period of the creation of the artwork.

James Hayes has created other artworks in conjunction with the Laois Arts Office; notably the Percent for Art Scheme commissioned for the Laois Arthouse in 2011 and the Emo Court Art Symposium of 2005. He exhibited a new work in the Laois Arthouse 10^th Anniversary exhibition, In Trust. In Gratitude. In Hope. in 2011 and 2022.

An official launch of the sculpture will take place on Culture Night, Friday 23 September.

Further details from Muireann Ní Chonaill, Arts Officer, Laois County Council, Portlaoise, Co Laois. artsoff@laoiscoco.ie

Curator: Rina Whyte rinawhyte@yahoo.com