While research around the positive effects of art and creativity on our wellbeing is widespread, conversations around the ways in which the cultural sector can support the mental health of its workforce are still few and far between.

We think that mental health is a subject that is important and relevant to all fundraisers, and it has become even more significant in recent weeks. The pressure of unrealistic targets, tight budgets, limited staffing and frustrating organisational cultures means that fundraisers can often ignore the warning signs of mental ill health.

Our panel will look at how to restore balance in stressful conditions, where to seek support and will provide useful self-care tips to bring back to your workplace. They will advise on how to bring up the topic to your line manager or senior management and how you can best support your colleagues experiencing these issues.

To unpack the ways in which the sector and our governing bodies are working to remove the stigma around mental health, and to empower us to start a positive conversation about wellbeing in the workplace – we will be joined by a panel of expert speakers led by fundraising consultant, trainer and coach Claire Warner.

Claire will be joined by:

- Colin Beesting, Founder of Creative Freedom, one of the only organisations in the UK to provide Mental Health First Aid training targeted specifically at the cultural sector

- Michaela Greene, Director of Development at the Roundhouse

- A final speaker to be confirmed shortly

We’ll conclude the evening with a short meditation session to help create a focused, calm and positive mindset for your working week.

Growing Inside Out: Mental Health in Fundraising