Clare Clohesy – Inspiration in Education nominee
Clare Clohesy – Inspiration in Education nominee
Clare Clohesy has been described as empathetic and authentic with a relentless drive to make a difference.
Since joining Stoke-on-Trent College just over a year ago she has consistently delivered exceptional and sustained performance as a Community Engagement Practitioner. That includes engaging with more than 60 veterans and hundreds of families across the city.
She is responsible for delivering high-quality, flexible learning opportunities within local communities, supporting adults to develop skills for work, confidence, wellbeing and progression, while building partnerships and expanding the college’s reach.
She has been nominated in the Inspiration in Education category of the Your Heroes Awards by colleagues at Stoke-on-Trent College.
They said: “Clare has far exceeded the expectations of this role, redefining what community-based education can achieve and serving the city of Stoke-on-Trent with pride. Clare’s approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the communities she serves across Stoke-on-Trent.
Clare does not deliver off-the-shelf sessions. She invests time in understanding the unique needs, barriers and aspirations of each group, adapting her provision to create bespoke, learner-centred experiences. This has enabled her to engage some of the most hard-to-reach individuals, many of whom face complex social, emotional or economic challenges.
While her role is contractually delivered 9am to 5pm, Clare routinely gives her own time, often moving sessions to evenings and weekends to meet the needs of learners and maximise engagement. She has also created and personally funded a prize box which she uses to boost enthusiasm and engagement where necessary.
Clare is tasked with attending many community events. She takes activities such as balloon modelling or cake decorating to engage children, allowing her to have meaningful conversations with parents. Although her role is focused on supporting life skills, she goes above and beyond to support families in accessing wider services. This includes helping parents secure SEN provision for their children and supporting vulnerable individuals to access counselling and medical support. She is also a trusted listener—someone people turn to when challenges feel overwhelming.
She makes learning engaging and enjoyable. For example when teaching adults with learning difficulties basic numeracy she created a curling competition during the Olympics and used it to teach participants how to add and track scores.
Clare has worked extensively with tri-service veterans, many of whom were experiencing isolation, bereavement or PTSD. Through cookery sessions she has not only taught practical skills but rebuilt confidence and purpose. One veteran who had lost his wife and could not cook now prepares meals weekly for others. Another progressed to leading sessions under Clare’s guidance.
Clare supported a veteran with no previous baking experience to enter a cake competition with his grandson. Together they created an Eiffel Tower–shaped cake. This not only developed his skills but gave him a meaningful hobby and strengthened his relationship with his grandson.
While working in assisted living accommodation she supported a woman who had stopped going to the shop due to fear of being short-changed. Clare taught her basic numeracy and how to use a calculator, restoring her confidence and independence.
Clare has worked with parents in schools to build confidence in supporting their children’s learning. One mother, previously unable to engage her children in reading saw all three children actively reading with her within weeks through Clare’s modelling and encouragement.
Through initiatives such as memory bear workshops she has helped families process grief by creating meaningful keepsakes from loved ones’ clothing while also building confidence and practical skills.
Clare also supports parents with school readiness, including helping them potty train their children to ensure they are prepared and independent when starting school.
Clare’s work with diverse groups, including ESOL learners, goes far beyond education. She supports individuals in navigating life in the UK, helping them access healthcare, childcare and essential services, reducing isolation and fostering community cohesion. In one group learners were so impacted by her support that they prepared food from their home countries as a gesture of gratitude, demonstrating the strong, trust-based relationships she builds.
Clare’s nominator added: “Her proactive approach to partnership working and community engagement is exceptional. Clare actively seeks out opportunities, represents the college at events and creates innovative ways to engage families, whether through interactive stalls, creative activities or tailored programmes during school holidays. She identifies gaps in provision and responds with relevant, impactful initiatives, often outside of her formal remit.
“She identifies potential in learners and supports progression, as demonstrated by mentoring individuals into leadership roles. She empowers parents, builds peer support networks and creates environments where individuals uplift one another, ensuring her impact is sustainable and far-reaching.
“She is not just an educator but a trusted advocate, often the person individuals turn to when they have nowhere else to go. From supporting access to SEN services to signposting mental health support and food banks, she consistently goes above and beyond to improve lives.
“Her work does not just support progression. It transforms lives, strengthens communities and embodies the very best of what Stoke-on-Trent College stands for.”