Why Every Charity Needs an Employee Assistance Programme 

Supporting Your People: Why Every Charity Needs an Employee Assistance Programme 

By Paul Roberts, Director at Enlighten, EAPA UK lifetime member. 

As an HR manager in the charity sector, you wear many hats recruiter, wellbeing champion, conflict resolver, and culture builder. But when your team is stretched thin, emotionally invested, and working with limited resources, who supports you in supporting them?

That’s where an Employee Assistance Programme, EAP, comes in. 

What Is an EAP and Why Does It Matter? 

An EAP is a confidential service that helps employees deal with personal and work-related challenges—whether it’s stress, anxiety, financial worries, bereavement, or relationship issues. It’s available 24/7 and often includes: 

• Counselling (phone, online, or face-to-face) 

• Legal and financial advice 

• Critical incident support 

• Digital wellbeing tools 

For charities, where staff and volunteers often go above and beyond, an EAP isn’t just a benefit it’s a lifeline. 

Why UK Charities Need EAPs More Than Ever 

• Emotional demands: Your team may be supporting vulnerable people, working in crisis response, or managing emotionally intense caseloads. 

• Budget constraints: You may not have the resources for in-house wellbeing teams or private healthcare. 

• Retention challenges: Burnout is real. An EAP helps staff feel supported, valued, and more likely to stay. 

• Volunteer wellbeing: Many EAPs can extend support to volunteers an often overlooked but vital part of your workforce. 

How to Choose the Right EAP for Your Charity 

When selecting an EAP, ask: 

✅ Is it available 24/7? 

✅ Does it include counselling and practical advice? 

✅ Can it support volunteers and remote workers? 

✅ Is it affordable and scalable? 

✅ Will the provider help promote it internally? 

At Enlighten, we specialise in helping charities find EAPs that are: 

✅ Affordable 

✅ Transparent 

✅ Tailored to your needs 

✅ Easy to implement and promote 

 

If you’re wondering whether an EAP is right for your charity or you’re ready to explore new options let’s chat. 

Let’s make wellbeing simple, affordable, and impactful together.