Caroline Phansi, the Executive Director of Contento Social Homes, was awarded the Duty to the Community Award for leading the work to support Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) women fleeing domestic violence through the creation of new refuge spaces.
She was honoured at the 11th Community Inspiration Awards held on Friday 8th September 2023, to celebrate the outstanding contributions made by hard-working staff from public sector organisations, businesses, community organisations, and ordinary members of the community who have made extraordinary contributions.
The category of Duty to the Community Award is meant to recognise a politician or community activist for their dedication to serve the community through thick and thin to bring about improvements in their community. The event was organised by the Community Foundation, a grassroots voluntary organisation supporting people in inner city areas to change their lives by improving their conditions and creating opportunities for people to reach their full potential.
Caroline, under the Contento Social Homes banner, has been a tireless advocate for the rights of BAME women suffering domestic violence and has worked tirelessly over the years to improve their lives. She is part of the BAME community she now serves and she is often quoted saying that she saw firsthand the challenges that many of her community members faced, and she knew that she wanted to make a difference. She began the work diligently as a volunteer, working with people in need. She quickly realised that the systemic problems that her community faced were beyond the scope of what she could do as an individual or small group. She decided to create an organisation in order to make a larger impact.
Caroline has been a vocal advocate for increased support and refuge spaces for BAME women escaping domestic violence. She has worked to improve the standard of housing support whilst creating multiple job opportunities in the West Midlands area and beyond. She has also been a strong voice for the rights of immigrants and refugees suffering domestic violence.
Caroline is a true leader and an inspiration to her community. She is a role model for young people and a shining example of what is possible when people work together to make a difference.
The Duty to the Community Award is a well-deserved honour for Caroline Phansi and Contento Social Homes. She is a true asset to her community and a shining example of what it means to serve others.
