HILS Nominated for Two Hertfordshire Business Awards – And We Need Your Support

We are delighted to announce that Health & Independent Living Support (HILS) has been shortlisted intwo categories at the Hertfordshire Business Awards 2026: 

🏆 Best Social Value
🏆 Best Large Business

These nominations recognise the impact our team makes every single day across  Hampshire, Hertfordshire, and West Sussex, helping older, disabled and vulnerable people to stay happy, healthy and independent. HILS is a charitable social enterprise and the UK’s largest not-for-profit meals on wheels provider, supporting more than 15,000 people each year through millions of caring interventions.

Now we’re asking our supporters, clients, families, partners, volunteers and staff to help us take the next step by casting their vote.

Vote for HILS

Every vote helps strengthen our chances of reaching the interview stage and showcasing the difference HILS makes to communities across the region.

One vote can make a difference. One share could inspire dozens more

Vote here: Hertfordshire Business Awards Voting Page

Voting closes on 31 August 2026.

Why HILS Has Been Nominated for Best Social Value

At HILS, social value isn’t an add-on – it’s the reason we exist.

Every day, our teams help people stay independent at home for longer, reducing pressure on families, social care services and the NHS. Our support goes far beyond delivering meals.

We provide:

• Nutritious meals on wheels delivered 365 days a year
• Wellbeing checks with every meal delivery
• Nutrition and hydration support
• Active Ageing exercise programmes
• Community hubs and social opportunities
• Pop-in visits to tackle loneliness and isolation
• Advocacy and practical support services

These services are specifically designed to prevent issues such as malnutrition, dehydration, frailty, falls and social isolation before they become crises.

Last year alone, HILS delivered more than 1.4 million interventions to help people maintain their independence, while 99% of meal clients said our support made their lives easier.

Our impact isn’t measured purely in numbers. It’s measured in peace of mind for families, confidence for older people and the countless moments where our staff identify concerns early and connect people with the support they need.

Why HILS Deserves Best Large Business

Being a large organisation isn’t just about size – it’s about responsibility.

Since being established in 2007, HILS has grown from a small Hertfordshire meals service into one of the UK’s leading social enterprises, supporting people across multiple counties while remaining true to our founding purpose.

Today we:

• Employ more than 400 people
• Deliver services across Hertfordshire, Hampshire, West Sussex and Bedfordshire
• Provide support to more than 18,000 people each year
• Deliver millions of caring interventions annually
• Reinvest surplus income back into supporting local communities
• Create employment opportunities for people facing barriers to work

HILS actively supports apprenticeships, volunteering, work experience and employment opportunities for individuals who may have struggled to access work elsewhere.

Our growth has never been about expanding for expansion’s sake. It has been about reaching more people who need support and ensuring vulnerable people can access services that help them remain independent, connected and well.

More Than Just a Meal

Many people know HILS for meals on wheels, but what arrives at the door is about much more than lunch.

For some clients, a HILS visit is reassurance that someone will notice if they are unwell. For others, it’s a friendly conversation that breaks up a lonely day. For families, it’s confidence that someone is checking in on a loved one.

Whether we’re supporting someone with nutrition, helping them regain confidence through exercise, connecting them with their community, or simply providing a friendly face and a wellbeing check, our mission remains the same: Helping people stay happy, healthy and independent.

Thank You for Supporting HILS

These nominations belong to everyone who makes HILS what it is – our staff, volunteers, clients, families, commissioners, partners and supporters.

If you’ve ever benefited from our services, partnered with us, supported our work or simply believe in helping people live independently for longer, we’d be incredibly grateful for your vote.

Voting is important – but so is visibility.

If you support HILS, please consider sharing this blog, our social media posts, or the voting link with your friends, family, colleagues and local community groups.

Every share helps us reach more people and shine a spotlight on the thousands of older and vulnerable people who benefit from HILS services every year.

Whether you’re a client, family member, partner organisation, volunteer, supporter or member of staff, your voice can help us showcase the impact of preventative community support.

Here’s how you can help:

✅ Vote for HILS
✅ Share our social media posts
✅ Tag friends, colleagues and local organisations
✅ Tell others why HILS matters to you
✅ Use the hashtag #VoteHILS

Together, we can show Hertfordshire the power of community support and help HILS bring home these awards.

Cast your vote today

👉 Vote for HILS

Thank you for all your help and support!