Louth PPN celebrates community spirit at awards ceremony

Louth Public Participation Network (PPN) - the representative body for 656 community, voluntary, social inclusion and environmental community groups across County Louth - proudly hosted its annual Community & Voluntary Awards on November 19th, 2025, in Donegan’s, Monasterboice, honouring the remarkable contributions of community groups who make County Louth a vibrant, compassionate, and resilient place to live.

Louth PPN’s Community & Voluntary Awards brought together community members, volunteers and local leaders to celebrate the tireless work of those who dedicate their time and energy to improving lives across County Louth.

The five award categories were:

Health and Wellbeing: Awardee – Dear Future Me

Dear Future Me supported over 200 young people from marginalised communities to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

Through workshops, day trips, and community events, the project encouraged young people to engage with their community and prioritise their mental wellbeing.

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Environmental & Conservation: Awardee – Drogheda Tidy Towns Biodiversity Group

The Drogheda Tidy Towns Biodiversity group made a large impact on the environment throughout 2025 by raising awareness, educating and encouraging community involvement in local environmental initiatives.

Social Inclusion: Awardee – Women in Waves

The Women in Waves project created a platform for young female musicians, developing their confidence and skills as musicians.

Community Support: Awardee – Louth Traveller Movement.

The Louth Traveller Movement’s focus on and dedication to community development delivers meaningful projects and is not only building capacity, leadership and cultural pride within the Traveller community but is shaping a more inclusive and connected Louth for everyone.

Pride of Place: Awardee – Dundalk Youth Centre

The Dundalk Youth Centre offers creative and therapeutic services for young people aged 12–18. Working closely with schools, health professionals, youth workers and families they support young people facing challenges.

Speaking at the event, Louth PPN Secretariat member David Larkin said: “Today we shine a light on the everyday heroes whose quiet efforts build stronger, kinder communities.

“These awards are a testament to the power of collective action and the spirit of volunteerism that defines County Louth.”

The event included a showcase of engagement projects undertaken by members of Louth PPN’s Secretariat which included:

- Increasing Female Participation in Sport: This project created opportunities for women and young girls to participate in sports such as basketball, tennis and pickleball.

- ilLUminate e-zine: Youth members across County Louth designed and created the ilLUminate e-zine with supports, resources and articles written by youth members for youth members.

- Youth anti-vaping project: Co-created with youth members, this project aimed to educate, inspire and support the next generation to make healthier choices with regards to the use of vaping products.

- Learning English through sewing: Participants who were non-native English speakers improved their language and communication skills while learning the practical skill of sewing.

Louth PPN expressed its gratitude to all nominees, supporters, and members who made the 2025 awards a resounding success.

As the network continues to grow, it said it remains committed to amplifying the voices of community groups and fostering collaboration across the county.