A prolonged period of Covid-19 and lockdowns has adversely impacted on the mental health of many. Research has shown that those who are already marginalised have experienced the added stress even more adversely and Covid has widened health inequalities for those with pre-existing health conditions or those from non-white communities. As the mental health experts, we are trained to bring light to the shadows and warmth to the numb. But in recent years, to be these mental health torchbearers we have been living through the same pressures as our clients. We need to keep our own light burning to help others. How do we protect our torch in the storm? NHS managers report they are concerned about staff wellbeing. Rises in staff stress is impacting sickness leave and staff turnover. This is not just in the NHS, many sectors have experienced stress and pressure during the past years either due to overwhelm stress of services being stretched to meet the rising need in difficult situations, or through underwhelm stress of not being able to support service users in the midst of the disruptions and infection prevention precautions. Burnout is reducing staff at a time of increased need. We want to share research and ideas which explore themes of grit, resilience, self-care, stress reduction and returning to work after being signed off.