Staffordshire Women’s Aid, Pathway Project, and SARAC recently joined forces to host the first-ever Tri-Wellbeing Day, a full-day conference designed to support the wellbeing, resilience, and professional strength of their teams
The Tri-Wellbeing Conference took place at Uttoxeter Racecourse and brought together all staff and some volunteers working across Staffordshire Women’s Aid, Pathway Project, and SARAC within the domestic abuse and sexual violence services for a carefully curated programme, comprising restorative activities, professional learning, and cross-organisational connection. The event came as a key pillar of the partnership between the three organisations, who collectively provide essential aid to thousands of survivors throughout Staffordshire each year.
The day was designed to support the charities’ hard-working teams who are dedicated to supporting others every day. It began with a welcome breakfast, followed by an introductory ‘honest’ address by Jess Phillips and networking activities to help colleagues connect with peers they may not normally have the opportunity to meet in their day to day. Focused sessions throughout the day included the exploration of workplace culture, emotional resilience, and the challenges that come with trauma-exposed work.
Attendees joined a sound bath session with Verity, yoga breathing with Sara Mae, and a motivational talk delivered by Peggy, alongside taking the time to reflect, share their experiences, and form caring new relationships. Additionally, interactive “table toys”, wellbeing-themed activities, and a collaborative prize challenge all played a part in creating an easy-going, nurturing atmosphere, inviting staff to pause, breathe, and reconnect.
Frontline workers in domestic abuse and sexual violence services carry out some of the most emotionally demanding work in the charity sector. They deal with individuals who are living in trauma, fear, crisis, and long-term harm, while navigating complex systems to ensure safety and justice for survivors. Their work is vital – but it also takes an emotional toll. Thus, investing in staff wellbeing isn’t an option, it is essential.
For charities operating in such environments, staff wellbeing directly affects:
- the service quality – as emotionally supported staff can provide more grounded, consistent support;
- safety of both staff and service users – due to staff being well-rested, regulated, and resourced;
- retention – with positive wellbeing reducing burnout and turnover in an already challenging landscape;
- resilience – with organisations being stronger when their people feel valued, connected, and looked after;
- partnership working – with cross-agency relationships enabling teams to feel confident and supported.
The Tri-Wellbeing Day was born out of this reality and to offer staff dedicated time to rest, restore, and feel appreciated.
In a joint statement, Staffordshire Women’s Aid, Pathway Project, and SARAC said:
“Our teams carry a huge emotional load to protect and empower survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. Their work is powerful, skilled, and often invisible. This conference is our way of recognising their dedication and giving them the space to pause and be cared for. Staff wellbeing is fundamental to the quality and sustainability of the services we provide. When our staff are supported, survivors are better supported too.”
The three organisations emphasised that wellbeing is not a one-day activity, but a pillar of long-term organisational culture – something they are committed to championing together.
Furthermore, the Tri-Wellbeing Day highlighted the growing benefit of partnership working across Staffordshire. By bringing staff together from three specialist services, the event enhanced collaborative bonds and helped create a stronger support network for those experiencing abuse.
The event saw positive feedback from attendees and organisers alike, with all three charities keen to explore future joint initiatives as an ongoing means to nurture a healthy, resilient, and well-supported workforce.
They wish to give thanks to The Staffordshire Commissioner for funding such an important event.
For more information about SARAC, visit www.sarac.org.uk.
For more information about Staffordshire Women’s Aid, visit www.staffordshirewomensaid.org.
For more information about Pathway Project, visit www.pathway-project.co.uk.