RAINBOW Services in Harlow and 3food4u in Epping were among the charities receiving recognition and grants at the annual High Sheriff’s Awards to support their work to improve community safety.

Over 250 guests attended this year’s ceremony, held at Hylands House in Chelmsford, where trophies, certificates and 30 grants totalling £162,000 were presented by the High Sheriff of Essex, David Hurst.

The event was supported by Essex County Council, Chelmsford City Council and the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.  Presenters Steve Scruton and Ian Wyatt supported the event by compering and interviewing the trophy winners and other guests, with conversations shared by Sadie Nine on her Saturday morning show on BBC Essex.

The grants came from the High Sheriffs’ Fund, and other community safety focussed funds all of which are managed by the independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation (ECF).

Rainbow Services provide support to local voluntary and community groups across Harlow. They have a well-established reputation for delivering local projects and is the partner of choice for Harlow District Council and West Essex CCG in matters of community development and consultation.

They were awarded a £5,000 grant to expand their ‘Young People’s Community Project’, aimed at improving the life chances of vulnerable young people in Harlow. The programme will help them re-engage with school, build self-esteem and reduces the chances of involvement in anti-social activities through practical skills development.