Norfolk VCSE Leadership Network: Managing Your Energy & Wellbeing

Anyone in, or aspiring to, a management or leadership position in Norfolk's Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprises (VCSEs) is warmly invited to join our VCSE Leadership Network delivered by the Empowering Communities Partnership.

This session focuses on three connected themes that many VCSE leaders are navigating right now:

• Leader wellbeing & burnout prevention – acknowledging the pressures of leadership and the real impact on mental health
• Energy, boundaries & sustainability – how we care for ourselves while continuing to care for our communities
• Culture change in the sector – shaping more supportive, realistic approaches to leadership and support

A 2025 report by Fair Collective raised serious concerns about the wellbeing of voluntary sector leaders, with 85% of leaders in small organisations reporting a negative impact on their mental health. Previous Leadership Network sessions, and many conversations with sector leaders, have highlighted the growing need for wellbeing support for Norfolk VCSE leaders.

This will be a supportive, reflective and practical session, bringing together leaders from across Norfolk’s VCSE sector for open, honest conversation about wellbeing in leadership. We will begin exploring techniques for managing our own energy, setting boundaries and looking after our mental health.

• Space for frank reflection and shared learning with peers
• Insights from leaders with lived experience of burnout, and what has helped them recover and continue sustainably
• Early exploration of what meaningful wellbeing support for VCSE leaders could look like, shaped by your real needs

We'll also be joined by Thea May, coach and wellbeing-focused communications specialist, who will guide us through practical techniques for managing energy, setting boundaries and communicating more sustainably.

• Feel less alone in the challenges of VCSE leadership
• Gain practical tools to better manage your energy, boundaries and mental load
• Contribute to shaping future wellbeing support for VCSE leaders in Norfolk
• Leave with a renewed sense of permission, perspective and possibility around sustainable leadership

14:00-14:15

• Registration & refreshments
• Welcome & update from Empowering Communities Partnership

14:15-15:10

• Thea May, Working With Voice - Exploring Energy, Boundaries and Peer Support
• Catherine Gray, Cup O T: Wellness and Therapy Services - Learning from Burnout as a VCSE Leader
• Q&A

15:10-16:00

• Small group huddles
• Networking & refreshments

What is the VCSE Leadership Network?

This Network supports those in leadership roles within Norfolk’s VCSE sector by creating a space for relationships to develop and experiences to be shared, providing peer support which informs and strengthens collective influencing.

Feedback from VCSE colleagues identified the following priorities for the Network: listening and discussing, influencing, and connecting with other VCSEs, statutory colleagues and stakeholders.

Other useful information

The session will be in-person only.

The Feed Waterloo Park Pavilion Café is located in the centre of Norwich's Waterloo Park, a short walk from a free carpark (Angel Road, NR3 3HX) and several bus routes. The event will be held in the Sandys-Winsch Community Room, above the cafe.

The venue is accessible by wheelchair and a Quiet Space is available. If you require any adjustments to help you attend this event, please get in touch via [email protected]

We encourage you to lift-share or use public transport where possible.

This free event is brought to you by Voluntary Norfolk and the Empowering Communities Partnership.

We hope you can make it!

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Host or Publisher Voluntary Norfolk Communities Team