Like many others, I have taken a lot of time to self reflect - particularly since we experienced the pandemic and the significant challenges this presented. I was reminded of the strengths we were able to pull on to redesign a full organisation - several times - in order to comply with constantly changing rules and regulations we were collectively being faced with.

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I never had the chance to experience furlough. I would often dream about it! But I do think I have been experiencing a long and slow burnout, which I have continued to mask to ensure that everyone else has felt safe, nurtured and supported.

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I have worked alongside a phenomenal team of staff, with a highly skilled board of volunteer trustees who have been a constant in a time of change. So support was there. However I would often have a feeling of never being able to do enough to meet demand (despite significant service growth). Equally the challenges faced by the 3rd sector around increasing demand, conflicting requirements around compliance, firefighting becoming the norm and sustainability does become overwhelming. I have concerns about the future of the 3rd Sector. I have even higher concerns about the Health and Social Care Sector.

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So - I did what I needed to. I left my security and decided that I could offer higher value support by sharing my experience, continuing to build new relationships - but not ever forgetting my connections of the past which have supported me to have the confidence to start on a new path.