Third Sector Support: Acknowledging the Emotional Toll

12th September 2024

Free Workshops

In this guest blog, Hilda from COPE Scotland shares insights to help support third sector staff, including details of upcoming free workshops. We deliver the Self-Care and Capacity Building series in partnership with Cope.

Join us at the following workshops:

Supported and Equipped Staff

To sustain the vital work across the third sector, it is essential to foster a culture of self-care and mutual support. This includes creating spaces for open dialogue about the emotional challenges of this work, offering resources for mental health and wellbeing, and encouraging practices that promote resilience.

By weaving a network of collaboration and care, we can help ensure that frontline workers are supported, equipped with creative tools for wellbeing, and reminded that their health matters as much as the causes they champion. This approach also enhances the quality of care and support provided to people we work with in the community.

Each workshop is a social learning space where participants can learn from each other’s experiences and strategies.

“I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self-indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival.” Audre Lorde

Workshop Themes

Feedback from previous workshops indicated that the following four topics would be important to tackle next.

Avoiding Compassion Fatigue and Burnout

Working in the third sector can demand a high level of empathy and commitment, and the emotional toll can lead to compassion fatigue and even burnout. The increasing demand for third sector services, paired with diminishing resources, can make it difficult to meet every need. Those in the sector may feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility to alleviate suffering, often questioning if they are doing enough. It’s important to remember that many of these issues stem from larger, systemic factors beyond any one person’s control. What is within reach, however, is the ability to provide support, understanding, and compassion.

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of compassion fatigue and burnout and how these conditions can impact both their personal and professional lives. Through this awareness, they will be better equipped to recognise the signs early and take proactive measures.

Learning to Switch Off for Self-Care

Achieving a balance and learning to switch off from work is essential for long-term wellbeing. Participants will be introduced to mindfulness and “Kindfulness” practices – innovative approaches that blend mindfulness with self-compassion. These practices will provide tools for self-care that can be easily integrated into daily routines.

Third Sector Managers: Wellbeing in the Workplace

This session is specially designed for managers within this sector, providing a safe and supportive space to engage in the peer support process of co-consulting. This approach fosters a sense of community and mutual support and encourages creative problem-solving and innovative thinking.

By leveraging the diverse perspectives and expertise within the group, managers can develop more effective strategies to address the complex issues they face and drive positive change within their organisations. Together, we can build a more resilient, value-driven sector that is better equipped to serve our communities and promote life satisfaction and wellbeing for all.

Boundaries and Assertiveness

Setting and maintaining boundaries is another critical aspect of avoiding burnout. Participants will delve into the challenges of establishing clear boundaries and be equipped with practical tools to help them say no when necessary, without feeling guilty or overwhelmed.

If you have questions about any of these support sessions or ideas for other events you would like us to consider, please contact the team at policy.engagement@gcvs.org.uk.