Current Awards
The current award categories, in use for the upcoming 2026 Pride of Essex Awards, are:
- The Star of Essex Award
, for a lifetime achievement to an individual who has selflessly and voluntarily committed decades to a specific cause or charity within Essex.
- The Child of Courage Award
, including the Aiden Mitchell Award, for exceptional, inspirational children who manage to achieve, often against adversity. Given for courage, determination and a positive disposition to Essex-based children under 16 years old.
- The Team of Pride Award
for teams of people who make a real difference to other people’s lives and put the needs of others before their own. This can include fundraising or other exceptional actions.
- The Community Champion Award
, for individuals or groups who put the needs of others before themselves, raising funds for charity and recognising the difference they make to the community.
- The Unsung Hero Award
for exceptional service and care in the community, which recognises selfless individuals, often key workers, who make a real difference by putting the needs of others before their own, either in a neighbourly or professional capacity.
- The Inspirational Youth Award
for inspirational young people who make a difference to other people’s lives and put other people’s needs before their own.
- The Judges' Choice Award
for an outstanding individual or group selected by the judging panel.
Did any of those sound like someone you know? Nominate them for the 2026 Pride of Essex Awards now!
