When frontline workers experience burn-out, it directly and negatively impacts the vital work the VCFSE sector does to support Sheffield’s people and communities. One way to prevent worker burn-out is to provide them with appropriate wellbeing support. However, this is not widely accessible in the sector. This project aimed to better understand and demonstrate ways to address this gap. This work was funded by NHS Health Education England and is a part of an expanding workstream at VAS focusing on VCFSE workforce wellbeing.
About the Project
Between June 2024 and October 2025, more than 70 frontline workers across 24 Sheffield organisations took part in regular wellbeing sessions.
Each organisation received a small grant to fund Reflective Support – structured time and space for workers to process the emotional side of their roles, facilitated by a trained professional.
Approaches ranged from one-to-one sessions and group reflection to creative, physical and therapeutic activities.
The project was funded by NHS Health Education England and coordinated by Voluntary Action Sheffield (VAS).
Why Reflective Support Matters
VCFSE workers are supporting people through poverty, mental health struggles and system failures that have deepened since austerity and the pandemic.
Without access to wellbeing support, burnout is common – leading to staff exhaustion, long-term sickness, and turnover that weakens vital community services.
Reflective Support helps address this. Participants described improved boundaries, better self-awareness, calmer teams and a stronger sense of being valued at work.
Leaders also found that introducing Reflective Support prompted wider organisational conversations about culture, sustainability and wellbeing.
The opportunity
Burnout is widespread and has become a major risk for the sector.
Reflective Support works best when it’s regular, structured, and properly resourced.
Organisations need time and capacity to plan and embed it.
Cultural change is essential many workers still feel guilty or unable to prioritise self-care during work hours.
Worker wellbeing strengthens service delivery – it’s a vital part of organisational resilience, not an optional extra.
What Happens Next?
VAS is continuing to support organisations to build a culture where self-care and reflection are valued.
We are also working with partners, funders and decision makers to advocate for dedicated wellbeing funding across the city.
Key Information
Please contact Natasha Munoz, Head of VCFSE partnerships and opportunities N.Munoz@vas.org.uk
