Recognition for Rainbow Foundations Age-Friendly Neighbourhood Care Model with Double HSJ Awards Shortlisting
27th August 2026 – The Rainbow Foundation earned national recognition of its Age-Friendly Neighbourhood Care: Keeping Older People Well at Home model, after being shortlisted in not one but two categories at the prestigious HSJ Awards 2026:
- Transforming Care for Older People Award
- Neighbourhood and Community Care Innovation of the Year Award
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.