LUTON, 18 September 2026 – Community engagement programme GRASSROOTS Luton has been awarded a ‘Certificate of Achievement’ at the National Diversity Awards 2026, recognising its long-standing contribution to building understanding, peace and stronger relationships across Luton's diverse communities.
Commenting on the recognition, David Jonathan (Johny), Director GRASSROOTS Luton said the shortlist reflects the collective efforts of the many volunteers, faith leaders, Luton Council of Faiths, Near Neighbours Programme, Luton Borough Council, Bedfordshire Police, and Luton residents who have worked together over the years to make Luton a more connected and welcoming place for all.
And GRASSROOTS could not have worked without the contributions and the financial support from our key partners, including;
Luton Council of Faiths | Near Neighbours Programme | The C of E Diocese of St Albans | The Bedfordshire, Essex and Hertfordshire Methodist District | The Roman Catholic Diocese of Northampton | The United Reformed Church Thames North Synod
These partners have supported the work of GRASSROOTS Luton for almost three decades
The National Diversity Awards, now in its 15th year, celebrate individuals and organisations that champion diversity, equality and inclusion across the UK.
In his message, Paul Sesay, the founder and Chief Executive of National Diversity Awards said:
“Fifteen years ago, the National Diversity Awards began with a simple belief: people doing extraordinary work in their communities deserved to be seen.
Across the UK, individuals and organisations were challenging discrimination, supporting people in crisis, creating opportunities and filling gaps that too often had been ignored. Many were doing this with limited funding, small teams and no expectation of recognition. That was the reason I created the National Diversity Awards in 2012. Since then, the awards have grown into a national platform that has recognised more than 1,600 shortlisted nominees and over 200 winners, while attracting close to 90,000 nominations and votes in a recent awards cycle. Those numbers show the scale, but they do not tell the full story.
Over the past fifteen years, we have celebrated disability campaigners, LGBTQ+ leaders, people tackling racism and inequality, faith and community leaders, advocates for women and girls, carers, veterans, youth workers, mental health champions, social mobility campaigners and organisations supporting people facing poverty, homelessness or exclusion.
Some of our nominees lead established national charities. Others began with little more than personal experience, determination and the belief that something needed to change. That breadth has always been one of the greatest strengths of the National Diversity Awards. We do not celebrate one community, one strand of inclusion or one type of achievement. We bring together people from across the UK whose work may look very different, but who share a commitment to improving the lives of others. That matters now as much as it did when we started.
The conversation around diversity and inclusion has become more challending in recent years. Progress has been made, but inequality, discrimination and exclusion remain very real for many people.
At the same time, some of the language around inclusion has become more divided and political.
The people celebrated through these awards cut through that noise.
Their work is practical.
As we celebrate our fifteenth year, I am incredibly proud of how far the National Diversity Awards has come, but I am even more interested in where we go next.
The next chapter must be about turning recognition into even greater opportunity.
More connections.
More collaboration.
More support reaching the organisations and individuals doing the work on the ground.
And more voices from our communities influencing the decisions that affect them.
The purpose remains the same as it was in 2012: to find extraordinary people, give them the platform they deserve and make sure their contribution is seen and valued.
Congratulations to every one of our 2026 nominees and winners.
Over 550 incredible guests gathered under the roof of one of the UK’s most historic buildings, Liverpool Cathedral, to recognise the phenomenal achievements of those who selflessly give back to their communities. We hope the evening gave you a celebration filled with magical memories, unforgettable moments, and the recognition you so thoroughly deserve.
The atmosphere inside Britain’s largest cathedral was nothing short of electric. Individuals from every walk of life came together with one shared purpose: to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and unity. There was no discrimination, no bias, no hate – just positivity, love, and overwhelming support. It was a powerful reminder that there are no losers at the National Diversity Awards – only winners who inspire us all.”
