Civic Award

We are very proud that our PCoS Chair of Trustees, Shamila Dhana, was presented in a packed Guildhall with a Civic Award by the new Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson CBE in May 2025!

Stamped with the ‘common seal’ of the city and signed by the Mayor, and Chief Executive of the Council, Shamila was recognised publicly for her tireless support for asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants, as well as her ground-breaking and transformative community initiatives. Importantly it was stressed by the Leader of the Council that Shamila’s efforts over many years lead to real, practical, and tangible change in migrant support and gender-based violence prevention in the city.

Hampshire High Sherriff Award

Portsmouth City of Sanctuary won the Hampshire High Sheriff Award for our work in the city with refugees and asylum seekers. The award was collected by our Trustees Denise Callender, David Handley and Patience Mutunami. We would like to thank all staff, volunteers and supporting organisations who go above and beyond to make Portsmouth a safe and welcoming place for everyone.