Aysha Hajat, a specialist project worker at Apna Ghar in Leicester, has been honoured with the Employee of the Year award at her organisation's annual staff celebration event. The award recognises her outstanding contribution over more than three decades in helping families rebuild their lives after trauma.
Dedicated Support for Vulnerable Families
For 32 years, Hajat has played a vital leading role at the specialised support centre, which focuses on homelessness and domestic abuse. Her multilingual skills and deep cultural understanding have made her a trusted lifeline for vulnerable families, many from ethnic minority backgrounds. Her work is particularly important in Leicester, where domestic abuse accounts for more than 30% of violent crime. Throughout her career, she has helped around 280 people move on to safe, secure housing and brighter futures.
Standing Ovation at Awards Ceremony
Hajat received a standing ovation from colleagues as she collected her trophy. The prize was presented by senior housing executives alongside television star Livi Sheldon, known as Diamond on the BBC show Gladiators. Hajat said: "I am truly honoured, humbled and genuinely shocked to receive this award. It came as a complete surprise, and I am incredibly grateful to be recognised for work that means so much to me." She added: "I do not see this award as mine alone. It also belongs to my colleagues who have supported me throughout my career. Most of all, it belongs to the incredible families I have had the privilege of supporting over the past 32 years."
Community Impact Recognised
Dave Shaw, Director for Sanctuary Supported Living, commented: "There are people who do a job and there are people who become part of the fabric of a community. Aysha is one of those rare people." He continued: "When women and children arrive at Apna Ghar, they are often facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and Aysha does an extraordinary job of understanding them, believing in them and helping them see a future beyond their circumstances." The housing organisation delivers accommodation and support services for people with a wide range of needs, including homelessness and domestic abuse. More details about local services are available on the Sanctuary Supported Living website.
