7th July 2026
Sanctuary Supported Living
Aysha Hajat was recognised as Employee of the Year in front of colleagues at Sanctuary's annual awards celebration.
A Sanctuary Supported Living colleague who has spent more than three decades helping women and children fleeing domestic abuse has been named Employee of the Year at Sanctuary's annual ‘Sanctuary Stars’ awards.
Aysha Hajat, Specialist Project Worker at Apna Ghar, a homelessness service in Leicester, received the prestigious award in honour of her outstanding contribution to supporting women and children to rebuild their lives after experiencing domestic abuse.
For more than 32 years, Aysha has played a leading role at Apna Ghar. Her multilingual skills, deep cultural understanding and compassionate approach have made her a trusted source of support for families who have experienced significant trauma, many of whom are from ethnic minority backgrounds. Her work is particularly important in Leicester, where domestic abuse accounts for more than 30% of violent crime, according to Leicester City Council.
Through strong partnerships with local organisations, Aysha has helped women and children access vital services including legal advice, healthcare, education and emergency support. Over the course of her career, she has helped around 280 people move on to safe, secure housing and brighter futures.
Aysha received a standing ovation from colleagues as she collected her award at the Sanctuary Stars ceremony, presented by Sanctuary Chief Executive, Craig Moule, and special guest Livi Sheldon, best known as Diamond from BBC's Gladiators.
Aysha 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.
“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 thirty-two years.
“Their courage, strength and resilience inspire me every day, and it has been an honour to walk alongside them during some of the most challenging times in their lives.
I look forward to continuing this work and supporting many more families in the years ahead.
Dave Shaw, Director for Sanctuary Supported Living said: “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 individuals. “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 impact of that kind of support can't be measured simply by the number of people helped. It lives on in the families who have rebuilt their lives, found safety and gone on to thrive.
“This award is thoroughly deserved and everyone at Sanctuary Supported Living is incredibly proud to see Aysha recognised for the difference she has made to so many lives.”
Sanctuary Supported Living is part of Sanctuary, one of the UK's leading housing and care organisations, delivering accommodation and support services for people with a range of needs, including homelessness, mental health challenges, learning and physical disabilities, and domestic abuse. For more information about Sanctuary Supported Living’s services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, see our latest news or find a service near you.
