In 2019 the RTPI North West set up the LPA Champions network to establish an individual from each LPA in the north west to act as the point of contact and voice between the RTPI North West and the LPA. The LPA Engage Business Plan has been launched in june 2022 by the RTPI North West to set out the key ways the region will support LPA Planners over the next 18 months. This follows discussions with LPA Champions around the key challenges that LPA’s face, with four key areas of support emerging: 1) staff recruitment & retention; 2)training; 3) health & wellbeing; and 4) promoting the public sector and championing the value of planning. The LPA Engage Business Plan ties together a number of initiatives to be brought forward by the RTPI NW in the next 18 months which will seek to provide support for LPA Planners.

As a society, we are becoming increasing aware of how the built environment influences wellbeing, with planners being uniquely placed to create healthier places which support our communities. However, as town planners we face a unique set of pressures: from balancing strategic vision with day‑to‑day casework, to managing demanding workloads, public expectations, constant shifts in policy direction, and worries about personal safety.

Alongside these professional pressures, burnout has become an increasingly common experience for people working in demanding roles, and planners are no exception. Burnout often emerges gradually, driven by prolonged stress, high workloads, and the emotional weight of decision‑making. It can show up as exhaustion, reduced motivation, or feeling disconnected from work that once felt meaningful.

It’s important to recognise that looking after personal wellbeing is not a one‑off achievement, it is something that needs continuous attention and active investment, especially in professions where workloads and public scrutiny can fluctuate unpredictably. Treating wellbeing as ongoing maintenance rather than a crisis response helps create healthier long‑term habits. Even small, consistent practices such as taking breaks away from your screen, finding green space, reflecting on achievements, or setting boundaries around work time can create a meaningful buffer against stress and support overall resilience. The challenges we experience can take a toll on individual resilience and wellbeing, which is why having access to supportive tools and advice is so important.

The RTPI’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub offers planners a dedicated space to explore guidance, events, personal safety advice, and support for both individuals and employers, and is complemented by a blog article and video about personal safety.

Free wellbeing platforms such as Resilient Me and Action For Happiness offer online resources and downloadable mental health factsheets and workplace wellbeing posters, can support individuals to identify stress triggers early and build resilience day‑to‑day.