At the beginning of 2024, we had our first meeting as Harlow Hive, sharing the things that we felt and had heard were impacting our community. We could never have imagined that, two years later, we’d have so much to reflect on – the journey we’ve shared, the lives we’ve touched, and the changes we’ve fought to create. True examples of community power. We’d like to take a moment to celebrate not just what we’ve achieved, but the people behind every campaign—the volunteers, the supporters, and the families who trusted us to make a difference. Thank you.
Harlow Hive began with a simple idea: that communities work best when we care for one another, when we speak up for those who often go unheard, and when we put action behind our words. Over the years, this idea has guided every project, every meeting, every email and every phone call.
Our work hasn’t always been easy. From long campaigns challenging councils to rethink housing repairs, to pushing for accessibility improvements on public transport, planting the Youth Tree and the Community Tree to celebrate, support, and bring people together, to standing up against the eviction of Redstone House to protect residents, to ensuring every child could access school uniforms without stigma or financial pressure—we’ve seen first hand how much perseverance matters. We’ve faced obstacles, delays, and frustrations, but through it all, Harlow Hive never gave up.
Every campaign, every meeting, every act of advocacy was driven by a simple principle: dignity, fairness, and compassion for all. Our focus has always been on people. Today, we share our legacy with you not just to look back on, but to inspire. To show that even small actions—when fuelled by commitment, care, and determination—can create meaningful change.
The Communitree
Our first campaign, the Communitree was developed in response to what we had been hearing from people who visited Harlow Foodbank: “I didn’t realise how much help there was in Harlow until I reached crisis point.” A Harlow Hive member, Dave Hobbs, had the idea of bringing the organisations together in the form of a tree, with easy to follow branches detailing areas of support. Through conversations with people visiting Harlow Foodbank, the Bounty Club and who stopped to speak with us on stalls, we found out which organisations had helped people. Every organisation on the Communitree has been recommended by someone who has needed and used their services.
The YouthTree
Many of the people we have spoken with have said they don’t know what’s available for their children to get involved with. They also shared the organisations and groups that they liked. But they were the adults. So, in the same spirit of the Communitree, we went to speak with young people to see what groups they recommended. Speaking with pupils at Hare Street and Burnt Mill schools, and Harlow Youth Council, we gave them a blank tree and asked them to fill it in with groups they recommend.
Uniforms for all – reducing waste, supporting families
We know that for many families, buying school uniforms is a financial strain. By redistributing pre-loved uniforms at affordable prices, we gave children a chance to start school with dignity, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
This is something that MRCT has been working on for three years, providing a (very) low cost school uniform shop two days a week at the Bounty store in the Harvey Centre.
This campaign, which aimed to increase school participation, was created and coordinated by Ann Rumelhart, and the first school to sign up was Stewards Academy.
Like the school uniform shop, this campaign wasn’t just about clothes—it was about community, equality, and making sure every child had the same opportunity to thrive. Watching families leave with complete uniform sets, grateful and relieved, reminded us why grassroots efforts matter.
Buses and disability/accessibility campaign
Another major focus for Harlow Hive was accessibility and dignity for disabled residents. Working closely with a local bus company, we pushed for improved staff training and additional support for disabled passengers.
This campaign was about more than logistics—it was about respect. Small changes, such as better awareness among staff and adjustments in everyday operations, have a huge impact on people’s lives. It’s about enabling independence, confidence, and safety for those who often face barriers in their daily routines.
Harlow Council Bus Users’ Group
Many people shared with us that they had issues with buses in Harlow – the expense, the times they run and the routes that they take.
Harlow Hive submitted an FOI to Harlow Council to find out when the last bus users’ group held by the council was and if there were plans to reinstate it.
We found that the group had not taken place since 2019.
On the back of this, six years later, Harlow Council’s Bus Users’ Group was reinstated, and now takes place ever six months.
Harlow Council’s Disability Fourm
Through our conversations with disabled people, we found that they often felt unheard or left out of decisions or focus.
A big focus for many people in the town (or perhaps anywhere) is potholes, but if you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, you may find that the worst potholes are those right next to a kerb, along with uneven pavements and hedges encroaching pavements.
Members of Harlow Hive were concerned not only that there was not a Portfolio Holder for Disability on Harlow Council (it falls under Community) but there had not been a disability forum for some time. We submitted an FOI on this, and the Disability Forum was once again revived to hear from local residents.
Council housing repair campaign
One of our largest campaigns tackled council housing repairs. Too many tenants were living in unacceptable conditions—water leaking through walls, kitchens unusable, even thick mould. Many had been waiting months or even years for basic repairs.
We collected extensive data from hundreds of tenants, documenting their experiences and the delays they faced. Then we took that evidence straight to Dan Swords, the leader of Harlow Council, and Councillor David Carter (portfolio holder for housing), pushing for real solutions.
This campaign showed that advocacy isn’t just about raising awareness—it’s about persistence, data-driven arguments, and holding those in power accountable. Our work ensured that tenants’ voices were heard and that the council recognised their responsibilities. There has been a complete shake up in the approach to housing repairs, with a considerable investment and update to Harlow Council’s policy.
Redstone House
A converted office block building in Harlow’s town centre, we met a resident of Redstone House while doing a stall about council housing repair issues. They shared that while living conditions had never been perfect, they were deteriorating with a new landlord. We offered a meeting space and offered our organising skills to work out what to do next. They then spoke with YourHarlow, and then their local councillors. Eventually the building was closed by the Fire Brigade due to safety concerns. Had residents not spoken up, they may have been placed in areas across the country. A building home to 25 adults and 27 children, everyone has stayed in Harlow.
You have the power
We did all of this as residents of Harlow. We are not politicians or council workers.
As we reflect on two years of Harlow Hive the main message we would like to share is that this all came from people for the people. As Margaret Mead once said:
Looking back on our journey at Harlow Hive, it’s impossible not to feel a mixture of pride, gratitude, and awe at what our community has achieved together. From our earliest projects to our most challenging campaigns, we have always believed in one thing: that small acts, persistent effort, and unwavering compassion can make a real difference in people’s lives.
Over the years, we have stood alongside families, residents, and community members to tackle issues that matter. We have faced challenges that seemed overwhelming at times—delays, bureaucracy, and obstacles—but we never let them define us. Instead, we approached every campaign with determination, creativity, and the belief that every voice counts.
Harlow Hive’s journey so far is one of determination, care, and real, lasting impact. We hope it inspires others to join us to continue this work, or take it up elsewhere – to fight for fairness, and to show that even the smallest actions can leave a lasting mark on a community.
Emma talks about issues in the town and the role of Harlow Hive in this video, as well as other work in Harlow Foodbank.