At the UK–Zimbabwe Business Expo 2025, our CEO Caroline Phansi shared a powerful message: when women fleeing domestic abuse reach out for help, we must have a safe door to open—every time. And to make that real at scale, we need more social investors to join us.
🎥 Watch the clip at the bottom of this post or directly on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2iKPgfMhbI
From Engineer to Builder of Safe Homes
Caroline’s journey began in engineering at Rolls-Royce, then pivoted towards people—first supporting those experiencing homelessness, and in 2020 founding our refuge work for women and children escaping abuse. Since then, the service has grown from a handful of homes to dozens of safe spaces, supporting families on the path from crisis to independence.
Her drive comes from lived experience and a belief that perseverance opens doors—especially for Black women building in the diaspora. She spoke candidly about proving expertise in rooms that didn’t expect it, and about turning setbacks into momentum.
The Need Is Relentless—And So Is Our Response
Demand for refuge space never slows. Every time a space opens, the phone rings—because the need is immediate and urgent. That unceasing demand is exactly why we’re scaling.
To accelerate capacity, we’ve launched a partnership/franchise model—training credible local operators, forging new relationships with councils, and expanding into additional local authority areas. It’s bold, rigorous, and working.
Our vision is also transnational. We’re supporting partners in Zimbabwe (e.g., Bulawayo) to help revive refuge capacity and survivor support—so women can access safety and independence, wherever they are.
Why Social Investors Matter Now
There is room at the table for principled capital. The opportunity to do good at scale is real—and it’s right now.
Three practical ways to participate
- Place-Based Property Partnerships
Invest in or lease suitable properties for conversion to refuge/move-on homes. We handle compliance, operations, and wrap-around support. - Growth & Working-Capital Notes
Provide mission-aligned loans to underwrite rapid setup costs (mobilisation, furnishings, regulatory upgrades) as we open new safe spaces. - Programme Sponsorships
Fund survivor essentials—clinical counselling, skills pathways, and child-centred support—so families stabilise faster and sustain independence.
Every pound brought forward translates into real rooms, real beds, and real safety—for mothers and children who can’t wait another night.
Caroline’s Challenge to All of Us
“When you get a vision, remember—it’s not a conference call. Believe in yourself, do the work, and others will believe too.”
We’re ready to scale the safety net. Join us to ensure a survivor’s call for help is never met with “sorry, we’re full.”
Take Action
- Partner / Invest: Explore property, loan, or sponsorship options with us.
- Campaign: Back A Home for Every Woman Survivor and help us expand move-on housing across the UK and strengthen links in Zimbabwe.
- Donate: Help us unlock new homes and support services for survivors and their children.
🎥 Watch the UK–Zimbabwe Business Expo 2025 clip below
