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.
This year’s awards went to:
Citizens of the Year
Jo Busson BEM (nominated by Councillor Michael Houlihan)
Jo is Chair of The Chocolate Run, a local charity that runs drop-ins and provides food for Harlow’s street homeless and vulnerably housed. Jo has been involved in the charity for over 15 years. Jo has also been supporting young people in Harlow who may struggle with mainstream education for 30 years. For the past 10 years, Jo has worked at Passmores Academy as Alternative provision Lead, working tirelessly to ensure young people have access to the right local support where they need it.
Marika Opara (nominated by Councillor James Griggs)
Marika is the founder and director of the Parent Hood of Harlow CIC, a community-driven organisation supporting maternal mental health, improving early years outcomes and championing women-led businesses. Her work at The Parent Hood helps parents feel informed, confident and less isolated by bringing together expert support and a genuine community connection. Marika is passionate about Harlow’s future and strengthening community cohesion.
Sports and Culture Award
Harlow Jujitsu (nominated by Councillor Andrew Johnson)
Harlow Jujitsu has been a proud part of Harlow’s community for 40 years, celebrating countless successes during the club’s lifetime. The club has built a strong reputation over the decades for not just providing high-quality martial arts instruction, but also creating a supportive and welcoming community for students of all ages. The club continues to help build confidence, discipline and fitness, as well as lifelong friendships.
Harlow parkrun and junior parkrun (nominated by Councillor Matthew Saggers)
Harlow parkrun, now in its 12th year and over 530 runs later, has become a mainstay of Saturday mornings in Harlow for many residents. Whether chasing personal bests or just starting out on their running journey, hundreds of people get together every weekend to run, jog, walk or volunteer and support one another over the 5km course. In addition, junior parkrun, which is nearly 10 years old, has seen thousands of children take part in their own 2km version.
Young Citizens of the Year
Joseph Atkinson (nominated by Councillor Dan Swords)
Joe, who is currently studying for his GCSEs, joined the Rainbow Services Youth Project in 2024, and has since completed a Level 1 Heath and Safety and Carpentry Hand Skills course. His support of others as a Peer Mentor earned him a Jack Petchey Award for Outstanding Achiever. He has contributed to a number of community building projects at Princess Alexandra Hospital and local housing sites, been a lead mentor on a residential trip to Wales and played an active role as part of the Pedal Power team, building and maintaining bikes for locals with no alternative transport to get to work.
Amber Moore (nominated by Councillor Sue Livings)
Amber joined the Rainbow Youth Services Project in 2024 and completed a Level 1 in Health and Safety in Construction and Carpentry Hand Skills. After initially lacking confidence and finding it difficult to speak in large groups, Amber developed her communication skills and now thrives working as part of a team. Amber returned as a Peer Mentor, helping other young people work towards their own qualifications and build their confidence. Amber’s commitment and leadership led to her receiving the Jack Petchey Award for Outstanding Achiever, and the Essex Boys and Girls Club Leadership Award.
Community Groups of the Year
Harlow Wombles (nominated by Councillor Nicky Purse)
The Harlow Wombles are a group of local volunteers who take pride in keeping the town clean, green and welcoming. Most Wombles litter pick individually where they live every day but stay closely connected with each other, sharing encouragement and celebrating successes – as well as comparing notes on the strange and baffling items they discover! Their collective effort brightens neighbourhoods, protects wildlife and inspires community spirit across our town.
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.
