An Essex-based hospice charity is welcoming an experienced fundraiser to lead its income generation teams as it starts its recovery from the effects of the pandemic.
Havens Hospices, an all-age palliative care provider, has appointed Tom Abbott as Director of Income Generation. With experience in the hospice sector, Tom had previously worked in fundraising roles at Heart of Kent and St Catherine’s Hospice.
The 37 year old has covered many income generation roles, specialising in community and events fundraising. In the last three years, Tom has been Head of Fundraising and a sabbatical cover for Director of Income Generation at St Catherine’s Hospice, his start date coinciding with the initial Coronavirus lockdown.
Before joining the hospice movement, Tom worked in events and volunteering with universities and student unions as a self-employed consultant. He is also Trustee of the Hospice Income Generation Network.
Tom says, “I fell into my first role in the hospice sector, although I had always wanted to work in an industry where I could have an impact and make a difference. However, fairly quickly into my time at Heart of Kent Hospice I really found my motivation for the hospice sector.
“A childhood friend of mine received the sad news that her new husband, Matt, had cancer. Matt’s early prognosis was good but his cancer returned and he was soon given the devastating news that it was untreatable.
“As Matt became more unwell I witnessed Claire, a young woman of my own age, change. Claire was exhausted and she couldn’t cope, but that’s when the hospice stepped in. In those final few months before Matt died, and thanks to the incredible contribution of the hospice, Claire was able to go back to being Matt’s wife.
“Claire, and Matt’s memory, are my motivation for working in this wonderful, emotive, special sector.”
Havens Hospices has three hospice services – Little Havens is the children’s hospice for Essex based in Thundersley. It also has a community service which includes The J’s for young adults. The charity’s original hospice, Fair Havens, opened its new £17.2 million facility in Southend on Sea on 9th March 2020.
On average, Havens Hospices is experiencing a 34% decrease against the income it had planned from fundraising activity and events.
Talking about his move, Tom says, “Havens Hospices struck me as a really forward-thinking organisation, with an exciting future in the new hospice building.
“I have always been interested in contributing to hospice care for children and young people, something that has really grown in me since becoming a dad myself.
“The income generation activity across fundraising and the amazing portfolio of shops looks fantastic, and with my experience I feel I can help us to move forward and grow, together, as a team. I’m particularly looking forward to the spectacular art trail, Hares About Town, launching during my first week in post.”
Priorities for Tom centre around getting to know the organisation – patients, staff, volunteers and supporters. “Like many charities, the challenge of recovering from the impact of Covid is significant and will likely last into the next few years with the probable effects the economy is still to fully feel.
“Equally, after such a challenging 15-months for us all, both personally and professionally, I will be putting a lot of energy into building strong, effective and engaging relationships across the wider organisation. Clinicians, fundraisers, counsellors, volunteers, housekeepers, retailers, administrators – we are all one team, working for the same end goal. And if we work together, we will also achieve more.”
The care provided by Havens Hospices is completely free of charge, which is only possible thanks to the kind generosity of local people making donations, taking part in fundraising events, playing the Havens Hospices Lottery and leaving gifts in their wills.
Published 28th June 2021
