Interpreter Wellbeing and Self-Care: A Core Value at Give Me Your Word

At Give Me Your Word, we believe that interpreters are more than just linguistic bridges—they are compassionate professionals who often find themselves navigating emotionally intense conversations, particularly in legal, healthcare, and mental health contexts. While these assignments are vital, they can come with unique emotional and psychological challenges. That’s why we've implemented a robust Interpreter Wellbeing and Self-Care Policy—not just as a formal document, but as a foundational part of how we work.

Why Interpreter Wellbeing Matters

The nature of interpreting means being present for some of the most pivotal—and sometimes painful—moments in people’s lives. Whether it’s interpreting for someone in distress during a psychiatric evaluation, or conveying sensitive information in a courtroom, interpreters often absorb a high emotional load. Without appropriate support, this can lead to vicarious trauma, burnout, and compassion fatigue.

Our wellbeing policy is designed to mitigate these risks by promoting a culture of care, support, and sustainable practice. Here’s how.

Our Approach: Trauma-Informed and Prevention-Focused

1. Raising Awareness of Vicarious Trauma

Interpreters are not immune to the emotional weight of their assignments. Our first objective is to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of vicarious trauma, such as emotional exhaustion, detachment, or persistent anxiety. Recognising these signs early can be the first step toward healing and resilience.

2. Promoting Proactive Self-Care

We encourage interpreters to adopt self-care practices that foster emotional balance and mental clarity. Techniques like mindfulness, journalling, and regular breaks are not luxuries—they’re essential tools of the trade.

3. Ensuring Access to Support

From peer support networks to access to professional counselling referrals, we aim to connect interpreters with the resources they need. We also encourage participation in assignment debriefings to process any emotionally challenging experiences in a supportive setting.

Practical Strategies to Support Interpreter Wellbeing

Maintaining Boundaries

We respect interpreter autonomy. If a particular subject matter—such as abuse, trauma, or violent crime—is emotionally triggering or uncomfortable, interpreters are encouraged to notify us. We'll work with you to ensure you’re only assigned to work that aligns with your emotional comfort zone.

Assignment Debriefing

Post-assignment debriefings are encouraged, especially after high-stress sessions. These allow interpreters to reflect, process emotions, and receive validation and support.

Defined Working Hours and Downtime

Fatigue and overwork are major contributors to burnout. We promote healthy boundaries, including defined working hours, regular time off, and engagement in hobbies and non-work activities to maintain a well-rounded lifestyle.

Lone Working Protocols

Safety is paramount. In situations where interpreters must visit private residences, we have strict lone working guidelines to minimise personal risk. Interpreters should never enter alone and are asked to check in with our team after assignments held outside regular hours.

Interpreter Responsibilities

Wellbeing is a shared responsibility. Interpreters working with us are encouraged to:

• Regularly assess their own emotional wellbeing.

• Communicate any concerns or feedback to the Interpreting Department.

• Make use of the support services and feedback mechanisms available.

• Speak up if they ever feel emotionally compromised or unsafe.

Building a Culture of Care

At Give Me Your Word, we’re not just focused on the output—we care deeply about the people delivering it. Interpreter wellbeing isn’t just a policy, it’s a practice. By embedding trauma-informed, supportive, and respectful principles into everything we do, we aim to create a professional environment where interpreters can thrive—not just survive.

Whether you’re a seasoned interpreter or just starting out, know this: your wellbeing matters. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

If you’re an interpreter with us and would like to share feedback on your experience or access wellbeing resources, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s continue building a healthier, more supportive industry—together.

For more information or support, contact our Interpreting Department directly at interpreting@givemeyourword.co.uk.