We post, and we also know firsthand about the duties that trustees have and how, for many trustees, the role can soon become a balancing act, managing very demanding responsibilities (in our own work roles and personal lives) with an ever-growing, let’s not forget, volunteer job role.
However, to be at the top of our game and give the charities we support our best selves, we have to look after our own well-being.
The challenge to this is often knowing where to start.
This is where Time to Talk Day comes in.
A charitable campaign run in February that focuses on encouraging people to talk. Talk to friends, family, colleagues, and communities. It is about opening up lines of communication and providing more opportunities for people to talk and the benefits of build connections.
In addition, with the new charity SORP now in effect, clear, honest, and open conversations now matter more than ever before.
These conversations are about building confidence, offering clarity, and building trust; it’s not just about compliance, it’s about building a network that supports our own and others’ well-being.
Why should we look after our wellbeing?
When we’re happy and in a good place with our wellbeing and mental health, that’s when we can do more.
We’re in a position to think more freely, to make better and clearer decisions, and to support charity managers and the charity mission in the best possible way.
Our physical health improves, we’re more productive, and we have the tools and resources to help us deal with challenges and uncertainties better.
In our role as trustees, strong governance depends on connection. Trustees need to feel able to ask questions, to be unafraid to challenge (positively), and to be able to talk openly and not just wait until year-end, because better and more regular conversations lead to better decisions.
To help trustees:
- Look to slow things down, where possible.
- Set targets and realistic goals (make sure everything is aligned to your charity mission).
- Make sure you have the right support structures and networks in place.
- Look to foster open communication and communication channels between teams and volunteers that flow.
- Create a board with a diverse skill set.
- Have clear and defined policies in place (trust us, they will, and do, make a trustee’s life easier).
- Have in place effective governance (this is essential to prevent trustees from facing burnout).
For trustees to be most effective, we need to practice self-care so we can be at our best to serve the charity’s mission and support its overarching purpose.
Trustees’ self-care support
To help trustees build self-care into everyday working practices and to provide motivation to help keep us on the right track, we’ve pulled together some useful resources and events taking place throughout 2026.
This month:
National Storytelling Week – encouraging conversation through the sharing, listening, and telling of stories. The focus is on connection. Connecting with others and learning from each other.
Time to Talk Day – the biggest and most widely promoted day to encourage people to get talking about mental health. Encouraging people to talk openly, reduce stigma, and for people to come together.
Random Acts of Kindness – we love this day! Celebrating the small things that people do that truly make a difference. Offering recognition for the small things can have a huge impact on well-being and simply make people smile.
Helplines Awareness Day – shining the spotlight on helpline employees and volunteers throughout the UK, this day is a celebration and a public way to say, “thank you.”
March
6th March – National Employee Appreciation Day – an opportunity for charities to recognise and thank staff and volunteers for their hard work and contributions.
20th March – International Day of Happiness – focusing on wellbeing and happiness, and encouraging everyone to spread kindness and build connections.
April
Stress Awareness month – raising awareness of some of the main causes of stress, the effect it has on our lives, and providing a range of resources to support everyone living in this fast-paced world.
May
11-17 May – Mental Health Awareness week – an opportunity for people to come together to prioritise our own and others’ mental health and wellbeing.
June
21 June – International Yoga Day – a powerful form of exercise and relaxation techniques that help with mental and physical health.
July
24-29 July – Talk to Us – an awareness day brought to us by the Samaritans, Talk to Us highlights the importance of mental health and encourages conversations about wellbeing and where to find the right support and resources.
24th July – International Self-Care Day – placing the spotlight on why it’s so important that we look after ourselves.
30th July – International Day of Friendship – Friendship can be a powerful tool when building our wellbeing.
September
5th September – International Day of Charity – recognising the work of charities and their role in society.
October
10th October – World Mental Health Day – this year’s theme highlights the importance of looking after our mental health every day.
November
4th November – National Stress Awareness Day – providing information on how to better understand stress and stress management techniques.
December
11th December – Christmas Jumper Day – a day that always makes people smile.
Supporting trustees
Trustees are vital to the charity sector, and your role cannot be underestimated.
We hope this post serves as a small reminder that every day, small conversations can lead to big and positive change.
There are many set days, weeks, and months to celebrate and encourage conversations; however, our advice is to encourage open conversations every day. You don’t have to wait for the annual board meeting.
Make time in 2026 to look after your wellbeing and take the time to talk.
