Campaigning is challenging and it takes its toll on all of us. Dealing with difficult social issues and personal stories on a daily basis can be tough as well as working in a hostile policy environment where change is hard and contested. These are just some of the ways campaigning can test us. It is essential for our own mental health, and for the needs of those we campaign for and with, that we build resilience and take care of ourselves.Â
Self-care is in itself a form of activism. Paying attention to our struggles, finding spaces to share, and learning strategies to maintain resilience is all part of the process. This campaigning burnout workshop offers you the opportunity to do just that.Â
Four things you will do in this workshop:Â
- Learn tips and tools for self-care for campaigners
- Gain an understanding of their rights in the areas of mental health and wellbeing in a challenging workplaceÂ
- Hear how peers maintain resilience and energy in their campaigning workÂ
- Develop plans for your own resilience, campaigning burnout prevention, and self-care for campaignersÂ
Our Open Workshops run on a progressive pricing model:
Small orgs: turnover of £10k – £100k = pay £88 plus VAT
Med orgs: turnover of £100k – £1M = pay £132 plus VAT
Large orgs: turnover of £1M to £10M = pay £192.50 plus VAT
If you would like to speak to someone further, please email megan.poyiadzis@smk.org.uk
Workshop Dates
Mon 13th Oct 2025, 10am-1pm
Mon 2nd Feb 2026, 10am-1pm
Jo Martyn
SMK AssociateÂ
Jo Martyn is a Learning and Development Practitioner. She runs Luminous Learning, and is an associate for Bird Resilience Limited, both of which exist to support the voluntary sector’s learning and development. Jo specialises in management and leadership; mental health and wellbeing; and equality, diversity and inclusion. Jo also loves walking, and is passionate about the benefits that it brings to mental and physical health.
What participants say:
Jennifer Laws
Campaigns Manager, North East Asylum Matters
”Thank you for a really useful, thought-provoking and collaborative session.’’Â
Participant, 2023
“For me, the session was absolutely incredible. It was full of resources and useful information, full of opportunities to socialise and interact with the other course members and share and listen to ideas, and rich in information and strategies for self-care. It was a session filled with knowledge, information, amazing strategies and fun. The facilitator created an incredible atmosphere which I really valued and appreciated, and filled the entire session with positivity, knowledge and an open minded and welcoming attitude. I loved the different visualisation exercises and found that they really helped calm and strengthen my mind.”
Recommended workshops
Three-hour workshop, online
Lived Experience, Solidarity, and Social Change
Using SMK’s unique tools and approaches to thinking about power, this solidarity workshop guides you through allyship and participation of people with first-hand experience in social change work.
Workshop Dates
Tues 18th Nov 2025, 2-5pm
Wed 25th Feb 2026, 10am-1pm
Community organising
Our community organising workshop is full of tips and tricks on how to best work locally to build lasting communities of change.
Workshop Dates
Tues 28th Oct 2025, 2-5pm
Tues 24th Feb 2026, 10am-1pm