It's time to prioritise wellbeing

The Breaking Point report published by Fair Collective paints a stark picture of the mental health crisis sweeping through the charity sector. The findings are disturbing: 85% of leaders in small charities report struggling with poor mental health, with a shocking 20% suffering from burnout so severe that it’s affecting their personal lives and professional effectiveness. In some cases, the stress of their roles has led to suicidal thoughts. This is not just a personal issue – it’s one that threatens the very fabric of our charitable organisations and the communities they serve. 

This report shines a much-needed spotlight on the deep psychological toll that charity leaders face. It’s a sector under immense pressure, particularly those working in sensitive areas like children and young people’s services, mental health, and social care. Many are working long hours, facing financial instability, and managing increasingly complex challenges – often with little to no support. 

But here’s the reality we can no longer ignore, without support, without space for self-care and reflection, charity workers – especially those in leadership positions – are reaching breaking point. The Breaking Point report calls for immediate action to tackle this crisis, urging organisations to prioritise wellbeing, invest in mental health resources, and create environments that foster open dialogue around stress and burnout. 

So, what can we do? 

Over the years, DSC has produced a bunch of wellbeing resources for the charity sector, you can find them in our wellbeing hub here. Now is the time to share them around your organisation and encourage a positive work-life balance. I’ve taken a few of the tips from these articles and highlighted them below, check them out:

Discuss life beyond work

In an article by Clara Wilcox from the Balance Collective on creating a work-life balance in your team, Clara shares the importance of scheduling time to discuss life beyond work with your team. According to Clara, this is not about oversharing, but rather about demonstrating to the team that other responsibilities and activities outside of work are important. By illustrating the various “hats” you wear—such as being a parent, volunteer, or student—you show that non-work commitments are valuable! Find more tips from Clara here.

Encourage screen breaks

In a recent article by Kalli Jayasuriya, a Researcher at DSC, Kalli  shares that it’s important to encourage regular screen breaks. She says “If you’re working primarily on a screen, it is important to take regular eyesight breaks to look after your eyes. Prolonged use of screens without breaks may lead to eye strain or computer vision syndrome. To combat this, the RNIB recommends the 20, 20, 20 rule: take a break of at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes to look into the distance at least 20 feet away.” Read the full article of tips here. 

Discourage working overtime

I wrote an article back in 2023 sharing the importance of supporting staff in challenging times. I make the point that charity leaders and managers need to stop normalising over time, as it can be unhealthy and unfair to staff. While there may be occasional instances where it is unavoidable, managers should encourage their teams to establish healthy boundaries with work. If you notice team members struggling with their workload, offer assistance in prioritising their tasks. Find more tips in my 2023 article here.

Join us at the next DSC Wellbeing Conference

One important step is to attend the Wellbeing at Work for Charities conference on Thursday 3 April. This event is an essential opportunity for anyone working in the charity sector to take action on the wellbeing issues highlighted in the Breaking Point report. 

This conference is designed to address the urgent need for better support systems within charities. It provides a platform for charity workers – especially leaders – to explore practical tools and strategies for promoting mental health, combating burnout, and building resilient teams. Attendees will hear from experts in the field, learn from peers who are facing similar challenges, and leave with actionable insights that can make an immediate impact on their workplace culture and personal wellbeing. 

By booking your place, you’re not just taking a day out of your schedule, you’re investing in the future of your career and your organisation. It’s a chance to learn how to implement meaningful changes that make a difference – both for the people you support and for the team you lead. 

The time to act is now. Mental health isn’t just a “nice-to-have” consideration for the charity sector. It’s essential for the sustainability of our organisations and the wellbeing of those who work tirelessly for causes they care deeply about. Attend this conference, take the first step towards change, and help build a sector where wellbeing is prioritised – not as an afterthought, but as a core value. 

Don’t wait for the next report to confirm what we already know. Book your place today at the Wellbeing at Work for Charities conference and join the movement towards a healthier, more sustainable charity sector. Register here now.