THE outstanding achievements of those individuals and organisations who make a genuine difference to our town’s communities were once again celebrated at the 2026 Harlow Civic Awards on Thursday 21 May.

Each year, the awards ceremony is held before Annual Council. The contenders in the four categories – Citizens of the Year, Sport and Culture, Young Citizens of the Year and Community Groups of the Year – are nominated by the public and selected by a panel of councillors.

Rainbow Services (nominated by Councillor Danielle Brown)

Rainbow Services works to reduce disadvantage, deprivation and social exclusion across Harlow by providing community projects that support residents and local organisations. The Community Builder programme supports retired and semi-retired residents. The Community Hub offers help and advice to people affected by crisis.

The Youth Project helps young people gain qualifications and connect with positive role models. The Health Matters scheme empowers people to improve quality of life, and the Move and Connect and Pedal Power projects help to get people more active.

Rainbow Services provides a wealth of help and support to the Harlow community and is a genuine champion for positive change.