1.11 Strategies to help cope with stress

‘The most difficult part of the job is responding to complex cases or concerns – especially a serious abuse case. Hearing detailed safeguarding allegations is upsetting. And I always feel under pressure not to make a mistake – to get it right for the people who have been hurt, and for the organisation. Sometimes I can’t sleep and feel anxious, but I have found things that help.

I know I have my line manager’s support, and members of the Board – so I feel they are ready to protect and defend my work. I also have a friend in the organisation – she’s not a safeguarding expert, but I trust her – she takes me for a walk away from the office and lets me talk things through. I never share confidential information – I just talk about how work makes me feel.

Building in work time to reflect on what went well with a case and what I could improve is important – and helps me process some of my thoughts and worries.

I use external expert advice – even with cases – so I never feel I am making important decisions on my own. Having that network of trusted people and organisations is so important. One expert works in a charity and always lets me talk through safeguarding issues – and how they are affecting me. I also have regular meetings with Safeguarding Leads from several nearby sports clubs – this gives us the chance to share experiences with people in the same position.

But most importantly I learned how to monitor my own wellbeing and use self-care activities to help reduce my stress and look after my mental health. At work, I try to be efficient in planning my workload. Like being brave about deciding what tasks are top priorities and what I have to say ‘no’ to. In safeguarding, something unexpected often seems to disrupt my plans. But now, instead of panicking, I remember a good manager who said ‘accept that you will never get everything done’ – I reprioritise my work for the time available.

I have also set some clear boundaries between my work and personal life. I need my ‘me’ time. I now switch off my work phone and I never look at work emails at home. Obviously, if I am dealing with a complex case, or on call, I may need to be contacted out of office hours – but this is rare. I also plan leisure activities – this helps even when I am tired after a demanding day.’