This post is part of our “Behind Abbey People” series – a glimpse into the people, purpose, and everyday moments that bring our community to life.
“Community leadership starts when we hold space for people, it’s not about doing things for people, but helping them become people who do things for themselves.”
— Nicky Shepard, CEO, Abbey People
Mornings start early. Before the day gets busy, I like to share a coffee with our Chair or one of our trustees: a calm, thoughtful chat before they head off to their day. It’s a moment to check in, to think strategically, and to remind ourselves why we do what we do.
After that, the day unfolds in that beautifully unpredictable way it always does when you work in community. There are team catch-ups and one-to-ones, conversations about projects old and new, and the constant rhythm of people dropping in, sharing ideas, or asking for advice.
Some hours are spent planning, thinking about where Abbey People is heading next, reviewing our impact, and ensuring we’re making the most of our partnerships. Other moments are spent out and about, saying hello to people in the Abbey area, listening to what’s going on locally, and spotting new opportunities to connect.
Every conversation, whether it’s with a partner organisation or a parent at our Friday group, feeds into that wider picture of community. It’s a picture made up of real people, real stories, and real progress, often in the quietest of ways.
Recently, I watched something that brought that home.
A parent who had once come to our Friday sessions needing lots of support is now one of our peer supporters, offering encouragement and guidance to others who are finding things tough.
Moments like that are the heartbeat of this job. They remind me that when you hold space for people, they often become what they were always meant to be. You don’t have to fix everything for them. You just have to believe in them long enough for them to believe in themselves.
That’s what community leadership looks like to me. It’s not about standing at the front, it’s about sitting beside people, asking questions, listening deeply, and trusting that together, we’ll find the way forward.
By the end of the day, there’s usually a mix of emails, planning notes, and reflections scattered across my desk, evidence of the many small steps that make up this work. It’s busy, yes, but it’s also profoundly human.
And as I head home, I often think about how lucky I am to lead an organisation where leadership isn’t about hierarchy, it’s about holding space for others to rise.
That’s the Abbey People way.
If you’d like to learn more about our work, volunteer with us, or connect with Abbey People, get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.
