Clare Abbott – Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year nominee

Clare Abbott – Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year nominee

Clare Abbott defies chronic illness to lead a team of volunteers to support communities in Stoke-on-Trent.

She has been the Charity Manager at The Hive in Blurton for three and a half years, setting up projects to support countless people of all ages and needs.

Stay and play sessions, knit and natter groups, affordable food bags to support people living in food poverty and gentle exercise sessions are just some of the things she has introduced.

The work is supported by a diverse team of 41 volunteers including an 85-year-old and members of the Muslim and LGBTQ communities.

This is against the backdrop of Clare working through Crohn’s disease and having surgery to remove part of her intestine.

“I do try to fly the flag that lots of people have chronic illnesses and still continue with their life,” said Clare. “Some of our volunteers also have chronic illnesses.”

Clare has been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Ann Robertson of Voice of Hope.

Ann said: “Clare is an outstanding community champion who gives endlessly to everyone who walks through the doors of our community venue. She is always there with a warm welcome, a listening ear, practical support and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Her kindness, compassion and generosity have made a lasting difference to countless people.

“What makes Clare’s commitment even more remarkable is that she has continued to put others first while facing significant personal challenges. Clare has remained devoted to supporting the community. She has never sought recognition or sympathy and rarely speaks about the difficulties she and her family have faced. Instead, she continues to focus on lifting others up, often putting their needs ahead of her own.

“Clare embodies selflessness, resilience and compassion. She inspires everyone around her through her quiet strength and unwavering dedication. Her impact reaches far beyond the practical help she provides. She creates a sense of belonging, hope and friendship for everyone she meets.

“Clare is a true Staffordshire hero. Her tireless service, courage in the face of adversity and genuine care for others make her exceptionally deserving of this award. I cannot think of anyone more worthy of being recognised for the difference they make every single day.”

Clare stresses that the work of The Hive wouldn’t be possible without the 41 volunteers she works alongside.

She said: “Our volunteers are the heroes. They are the ones that make everything happen. I’m always doing whatever I can to make everyone feel part of our family here at The Hive.”

In the three years that Clare has been in post The Hive has gone from a community centre to a thriving hub which supports people of all ages and needs. Clare has turned it into a place where people feel they can ask for help.

She added: “I was a really young parent and I’ve had to ask for help myself in the past. I’ve always said I would make it really easy for other people to ask for help because I know what it’s like. I know how helpless and how hopeless being in that position can feel. I start off by putting the kettle on.”