Nurturing the wellbeing of the third sector workforce in times of challenge
I have worked in the third sector since 1991. In fact, with local residents in Drumchapel we established what went on to be COPE Scotland. Prior to that I worked as a mental health nurse. I left the NHS because I could not offer people support in the way I heard people wanted to be supported. I was becoming increasingly stressed and demotivated. So, giving up security of employment, promotion, regular holidays, days off, paid overtime and retiring at 55, I went to work in the insecure environment which is the third sector. I do not regret this decision for one minute! Even though it would have meant retiring 9 years ago on a pretty good pension!
In the 34 years I have worked in the sector there have been many challenges, sleepless nights, tears and frustrations. The constant challenges of funding, premises, demand, and seeing the impact on the lives of people living with inequality and feeling powerless at times to help. However, there have been so many rewards. Being able not only to live but work to my values. To listen to communities and the voices of lived experience and see people develop their own solutions. To be able to be innovative, to pivot when new situations emerge and to work with so many amazing people who also want to be part of building a kinder, fairer world for people and the planet.
Recognising the challenges
However, we need to acknowledge that it is not easy, that morale can drop as people wait on the next funding round, not knowing if they have a job beyond March but still needing to keep going and be there for the individuals, families and communities who need us. To find that funders want ‘something new’ while communities want more of what we already offer. We also see on the news issues of pay awards for public sector workers and many who work in the third sector have not had a cost-of-living rise for some time, never mind increments- Increments, what are they? In fact, being able to retain the salary you had this year for next year and not have your hours and salary cut becomes something to celebrate.
There is no immediate solution in sight, inequality not only still exists but for some the gap is widening even further. The stress this can have on the sector can be immense. People being referred to third sector services whose needs exceed what the service can offer, but the staff and volunteers left feeling guilty if they say no. Boundaries being pushed every further, while in other areas, boundaries grow even tighter. Meetings which go in circles, but nothing seems to change in the real world.
Keeping going against the odds
In this landscape it’s amazing and a testament to our tenacity that we do not give up. There are many things we cannot control, however, there are others we can. We do have more agency than we realise. We can help our networks to achieve more by working together. Network Weaving offers ideas on how to build intentional networks. This link may be of interest I am also happy to offer a free online 30 minute introduction to Network Weaving, if this is of interest to your group.
This podcast on boundaries may also be of interest Created for nurses, it applies to anyone working in health and social care.
Being aware of the issues of compassion fatigue and burnout and creating an environment where the wellbeing of the workforce is not seen as a luxury, but an essential part of the working day. These tips offer some ideas. This selfcare score card may also be of interest as a reminder to make time for yourself.
There are many more tools and resources available on the COPE website which are free to download and share. View more about the story of COPE here.
Remember, in a world beset with problems, you and your teams are part of the solution.
