We are delighted to announce that Contento Social Homes, under the leadership of Caroline Phansi, has been honoured with the Public Service Award at the prestigious Community Inspiration Awards held on Friday, 20th September 2024. Organised by the Community Foundation, this annual event celebrates individuals, teams, and organisations whose efforts have significantly impacted their communities. The Public Service Award specifically recognises outstanding contributions made by public sector officers, housing associations, and teams that go above and beyond to respond to the needs of the community and improve customer satisfaction.
This year, our CEO, Caroline Phansi, was nominated and proudly received the award on behalf of the organisation. While she humbly acknowledges her role in this achievement, Caroline is keen to emphasise that this recognition belongs to the entire Contento Social Homes team. “For me to be nominated and win is a reflection of the tireless work of my team behind the scenes,” Caroline stated. “Though my name is on the award, this is not my win alone; it’s a testament to the dedication and commitment of the entire team. I am deeply grateful to them.”
For Contento Social Homes, this award is particularly meaningful because it underscores the trust placed in us by the survivors of domestic abuse, especially the women we support. Every day, we strive to provide safe accommodation and essential life skills to help these courageous women and their children regain their independence and rebuild their lives. Winning this award affirms that we are making a positive impact in the lives of these women, whose satisfaction is our greatest success.
However, even as we celebrate this achievement, we recognise the sobering reality that our fight against domestic violence, particularly within Black communities, is far from over. Despite this recognition, tragic reports of domestic violence continue to surface, with alarming numbers of victims losing their lives. Just in the past year, we have witnessed several fatalities linked to domestic abuse, and the true extent of this crisis may be far greater than we are aware.
At Contento Social Homes, we work with survivors from all communities, including British, Asian, and Black women. Yet, our passion at this moment is to focus on addressing the rise of domestic violence within Black communities, where cases are often underreported. We believe more advocacy and awareness are urgently needed to tackle these issues head-on. As we celebrate this award, we call on our peers and allies to join us in amplifying the voices of those affected by domestic violence and in taking action to prevent further tragedies.
For us, winning is not about the awards we receive, but about the care and support we provide to survivors. It is about ensuring that the women we support feel empowered, safe, and able to reclaim their independence. As we continue our mission, we remain committed to making a positive and lasting impact both in the lives of survivors and in the broader fight for justice and equality.
Together, we can – and must – do more.
Contento Social Homes
Supporting Survivors. Rebuilding Lives. Championing Communities.
