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27th August 2026 – With more than 1,300 entries submitted nationally and only 231 projects and individuals reaching the final shortlist, the HSJ Awards are widely recognised as one of the most respected awards programmes in UK healthcare. The double shortlisting provides national recognition for a model developed in North East Wales to help older people stay active, independent and connected within their communities.
Rainbow’s Age-Friendly Neighbourhood Care model has evolved over many years through collaboration with health and care partners. It brings together social prescribing, rehabilitation, reablement, community transport, day opportunities, discharge support and practical community support to help older people remain safe, well and independent within their own communities.
The shortlisted applications also recognise Rainbow Foundation’s wider development as a Centre of Excellence for Ageing Well, creating seamless pathways between community support, primary care, social care and NHS services. Rather than viewing services in isolation, the model focuses on the whole person, bringing together practical, social and health-related support to improve outcomes and quality of life for older people.
In 2024-25 alone, Rainbow’s services supported more than 7,000 people, generated an estimated £15.73 of social value for every £1 invested and delivered an estimated £8.5 million in social and economic value through improved health, wellbeing and independence. The judges also recognised the model’s focus on prevention, rehabilitation, hospital avoidance and care closer to home.
Caroline Tudor-James, Chief Executive Officer of The Rainbow Foundation, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for not one, but two HSJ Awards.
The HSJ Awards are widely recognised as one of the most respected and prestigious awards programmes in UK healthcare. They are independently judged by senior healthcare leaders and experts from across the sector. Reaching the shortlist feels a little like reaching the World Cup Final of healthcare, so to be shortlisted in two categories is phenomenal.
We are particularly grateful to our colleagues across the Health Board, primary care and wider partnerships who have been willing to work collaboratively, challenge traditional boundaries and focus on what matters most to patients. Their willingness to reduce barriers, improve pathways and develop more joined-up approaches to care has been instrumental in shaping the Age-Friendly Neighbourhood Care model that has received this national recognition.
Our experience is simple: the best outcomes are achieved when organisations work together around the whole person rather than individual services.
Whatever the outcome in November, we are immensely proud that the innovation, partnership working and commitment shown by colleagues across North East Wales is being recognised on a national stage.”
The selected winners will be announced during the HSJ Awards ceremony at Evolution London on 19 November 2026.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
About The Rainbow Foundation
The Rainbow Foundation is a Wrexham-based charity now working across North East Wales to improve the health, wellbeing and independence of older people through its Age-Friendly Neighbourhood Care model. The organisation delivers social prescribing, rehabilitation, reablement, falls prevention, day opportunities, transport, community support and preventative services designed to help people remain well and connected within their communities.
About the HSJ Awards
The HSJ Awards are the largest annual benchmarking and recognition programme for the UK health sector. The awards are independently judged by senior leaders and experts from across healthcare and are recognised as one of the sector’s most respected measures of excellence and innovation.

Copilot said:
The Rainbow Foundation has been shortlisted in two categories at the prestigious HSJ Awards 2026, recognising its innovative Age-Friendly Neighbourhood Care model that helps older people stay well, independent and connected within their communities. The double shortlisting highlights the national impact of a North East Wales-developed approach that brings together health, social care and community support to improve outcomes for older people.

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