Sustaining the Work: Valuing the Role and Tackling Burnout in Aftercare

An event for Irish Aftercare Network Members. Places are limited and allocated on a first come first served basis. Please do not book a place unless you are fully committed to attending.

About the Trainer

Michelle Reynolds
Chief Executive Officer, Anam Cara Parental & Sibling Bereavement Support
Psychotherapist, Coach & Researcher in Burnout and Emotional Resilience
Board Member, Irish Foster Care Association

Michelle Reynolds is CEO of Anam Cara Parental & Sibling Bereavement Support and a qualified integrative psychotherapist and executive coach. With over 20 years’ experience across the nonprofit and human support services sector, Michelle has worked extensively with professionals in emotionally demanding roles, particularly within children’s and family services.

Her research and clinical work focus on burnout, emotional exhaustion and sustainable leadership in caring professions. Michelle is passionate about helping individuals and organisations build compassionate, inclusive cultures where people can thrive while doing meaningful work. She combines psychological insight with practical, real-world tools to support resilience and long-term wellbeing.

Session Summary

This session will explore the lived reality of aftercare work in Ireland, acknowledging both its profound impact and its emotional cost.

Drawing on psychotherapeutic research and clinical experience, Michelle will revisit key themes from October’s conference, including:

• The reality of lone working, high caseloads and housing pressures
• The dual role of supporting young people while advocating within stretched systems
• The emotional toll of responsibility, rejection and systemic limitations
• The profound, often unseen impact aftercare professionals have on young people’s lives

Through case studies and reflective prompts, the session will name the human cost of sustained caring - emotional exhaustion, self-doubt, and the quiet build-up of burnout.

Building on this foundation, the second half of the morning will focus on practical strategies for tackling burnout and strengthening resilience, including boundary-setting, emotional regulation, reflective practice, peer support, and collective responsibility for workforce wellbeing.

Schedule:

10.30 – 10.45
Registration, tea/coffee & networking

10.45 – 11.30

Presentation

11.30 – 12.15
Guided engagement and reflection

12.15 – 12.30
Closing reflections & key takeaways

12.30- 13.00

Light Lunch