Simon runs Rome Marathon and UK Three Peaks

Let's talk about staff.

Most people reading this will have a job or have had a job at some point. Hopefully you are well looked after by your employer (or look after your staff if you are in such a position) and The Change Foundation is no exception. The tricky part comes in how that is paid for. Much of a charity's income is restricted to that funder's requirements, and although there are some progressive funders who fund staff wellness, there are not many. Therefore, any employee assistance programme, counselling, or other wellness-related activity needs to come from unrestricted funding, such as this fundraising event.

Our Social Change Coaches are exposed to a great deal of trauma in the course of their work and once per year we take a three-day away days trip, somewhere in Europe, partly for some strategic thinking, but also as a chance for the staff to unwind together. This is a) an important part of ensuring that they can do the work they do the rest of the year and b) an important cultural experience; for some it is the first time they have left the UK and we often support the cost of a first passport. It costs about £315 per person. When I decided to run the Rome marathon, it was just for me (part of a greater goal to one day do an Ironman) but then I decided I would try and raise a little money to go towards the 2026 away days. Now I have the opportunity to add the Three Peaks as part of a wider TCF fundraising effort, so I'm doing both, the marathon in March and then the Three Peaks in May.

Thank you for attending my TED Talk, hopefully you will chip in something to support the wellness of our amazing team.