Contributor
Clare sadly died on 7th November 2024. Clare was a pioneer in work to advance the rights of women, families and people with mental health problems. Her own biography is below and we will be sharing more memories of Clare in the future.
Clare Hyde was the Founder and Director of The Foundation for Families, a not for profit community interest company established in 2010. She was the Chief Executive of Calderdale WomenCentre for 14 years (between 1994 and 2009) and developed nationally acclaimed, high quality services and support for at risk women and families. In 2005 she was awarded the MBE for her contribution to women and children’s health and social care.
Clare contributed to Baroness Corston’s review of women with vulnerabilities in the criminal justice system. She was the Independent Chair and Lead Reviewer of several Serious Case Reviews and designed and facilitated a multi -agency review of child sexual exploitation in Rochdale in 2012. She was also the lead reviewer for several Domestic Homicide Reviews. Clare also worked with Lankelly Chase and other partners in Cumbria to deliver an independently funded human rights project which aimed to improve outcomes for women, children and families.
Clare was a wonderful friend and colleague. At a really difficult time for me Clare picked me up and gave me support and encouragement.
Through her I learned so much. She showed me the great harm done to women by so many men, and by a system that seemed incapable of showing real care. She revealed the great work that she, and other great Northern women, were doing to tackle injustice and support women in the depths of Hell to find a way out - to rebuild their lives with hope.
She had the capacity to look, unflinchingly, at the worst people could do and yet see possibilities for reform and change. I loved her and if I'm sure of anything she has a place in Heaven now. I wrote the following poem in her honour.
Clare, clear-eyed Clare
Like Beatrice
You led us out
From many circled Hell.No Virgil or Dante,
Just strong Northern women;
Who found courage
In your gaze.Clare, clear-eyed Clare
Like Ariadne
You gave us a thread
To retrace our steps.No Theseus required,
Just strong Northern women
Who found their way
Out of the crazy maze.Clare, clear-eyed Clare
Like Penelope
You kept on weaving
To protect the child.No Odysseus,
Just strong Northern women
Who rebuilt homes
And found their way.Clare, ever caring Clare
You picked us up.
You cleared the view.
We won’t forget you.
Clare was my colleague and dear friend for over 18 years. Principled, compassionate, and a joy to be around. I will miss her wisdom, her warmth, her advice, and most of all, her friendship. She truly made a difference to the lives of many.
