Community Counselling
free early mental health support for adults in Birmingham and Solihull
What is it?
A new community counselling service is now available for adults across Birmingham and Solihull. Developed in partnership between the NHS and the VCFSE sector, it brings free, early mental health support directly into local communities — reaching people who may not be met by existing NHS services.
Who is this for
The service is open to adults aged 18 and over across Birmingham and Solihull experiencing mild to moderate emotional distress, including those not currently met by NHS Talking Therapies or Neighbourhood Mental Health Teams. Where those services may also be appropriate, people will be supported to choose the option that best meets their needs.
This service is open to adults of all genders, and we welcome people from every background, culture, identity and life circumstance.
You do not need a diagnosis or a referral letter to ask for support.
placeholder
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
What can community counselling help with?
- Low mood or depression
- Grief, bereavement or loss
- Relationship or family difficulties
- Low self-esteem or confidence
- Stress or anxiety
- Trauma or difficult life experiences
- Adjusting to life changes
- Identity, culture or wellbeing concerns
Who is this service not suitable for?
This service is not suitable for people in immediate crisis, experiencing active suicidal thoughts, or living with severe or complex mental health needs.
This service is not suitable if you:
- Are in immediate crisis
- Are experiencing active suicidal thoughts or feel at risk of harming yourself
- Have severe or complex mental health needs that require specialist or secondary care support
- Need urgent safeguarding, crisis or emergency support
If you need urgent help, please use the urgent support information at the bottom of this page. If there is an immediate risk to life, call 999 or go to A&E.
Need Urgent Help Now?
Community Counselling is not an emergency or crisis service. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, use one of the urgent support options below.
Call 999 or go to A&E.
If there is an immediate risk to life, serious harm, or you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe, contact emergency services now.
Call 999NHS 111
Select the mental health option if you need urgent advice and are not sure what to do.
Call 111Samaritans
Free, confidential listening support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call 116 123Birmingham Mind
For mental health helpline support in Birmingham and Solihull.
Shout
If speaking feels difficult, text SPACE to 85258.
Text 85258Where we cover?
Gateway Family Services CIC leads delivery of this service across Birmingham South, working in partnership with Spring to Life, Murray Hall Community Centre, and Karis Neighbour Scheme. The service is also available across Birmingham North, East, West, Central and Solihull through Women’s Consortium.
Support That Meets
You Where You Are
Our Services
One-to-one counselling
A private space to talk with a qualified counsellor at your own pace. Support is shaped around your background, identity, life circumstances and what feels manageable for you.
Health and Wellbeing Coaching
Our Health and Wellbeing Coach can work with you to understand what matters most, build confidence, set realistic goals and take practical steps to support your mental health and wellbeing.
Flexible support options
Support may be offered face-to-face, by phone, online, or through group sessions where suitable. Evening, weekend and home visit options may also be available depending on need and availability.
Support in your local community
We aim to make support easier to access closer to where you live. Where possible, we connect people with suitable support in their local community.
Culturally sensitive and accessible support
Support can consider your language, culture, disability, age, identity and accessibility needs, so you feel understood, respected and not judged.
Personalised, trauma-informed support
Support is offered in a way that recognises how difficult experiences can affect how you feel and cope. We work at a pace that feels safe, using different therapeutic approaches where appropriate.
Wellbeing Activities
Activities will be delivered to support participants’ overall wellbeing, including community-based allotment sessions that use gardening, nature connection, and mindfulness techniques to reduce stress, build confidence, and encourage positive social interaction.
Referral Pathway
How it works
Getting started is simple. People can self-refer directly, or a professional can make a referral on their behalf.
Make a referral
You can refer yourself directly, or a professional can refer you. This could be a GP, NHS service, primary care team, social prescriber or community organisation.
We review your referral
Our team will check whether Community Counselling is the right support for your needs and circumstances.
We contact you
We aim to contact you within 5 working days to talk through your needs and explain what happens next.
We match you with support
If the service is suitable, we will match you with the most appropriate counsellor or delivery partner.
Counselling begins
You will usually be offered up to 6 short-term sessions. Counselling is expected to begin within 2 to 12 weeks, depending on need and availability.
If Community Counselling is not the right support for you, we will help guide you towards a more suitable service where possible.
FAQ
Access
placeholder
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Who can access this service?
This service may be suitable for adults aged 18 and over who are living in Birmingham or Solihull and experiencing mild to moderate emotional distress.
Do I need a diagnosis to access the service?
No. You do not need a formal diagnosis to ask for support. The team will look at your needs and whether this service is suitable for you.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. A GP referral is not required. You can self-refer directly, or a professional can make a referral on your behalf.
Is the service free?
The service is free for people who meet the eligibility criteria.
What Happens Next
placeholder
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
What happens after I submit a referral?
The referral will be reviewed to check whether Community Counselling is suitable for your needs. If the service is suitable, you will be contacted about the next steps.
How long will I wait after making a referral?
Waiting times can vary depending on demand, availability and the type of support needed. The team will aim to contact you once your referral has been reviewed.
How many counselling sessions will I receive?
You may be offered up to 6 short-term counselling sessions, depending on your needs and suitability for the service.
Can I choose how I receive support?
Where possible, support may be offered face-to-face, online, by phone or in a group setting. Availability may vary depending on your needs and local delivery options.
Safety and Suitability
placeholder
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Is this service suitable if I need urgent help?
No. Community Counselling is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, please use the urgent support information on this page.
What happens if this service is not suitable for me?
If Community Counselling is not the right support for you, the team will try to guide you towards a more appropriate service where possible.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. Your information will be handled confidentially. Information would only need to be shared if there is a serious concern about your safety or someone else’s safety.
Can I use this service if I am already receiving support elsewhere?
Please include this in the referral form. It helps the team understand whether Community Counselling is suitable alongside any support you already receive.
We’re Here Whenever You Need Us
Phone
0800 599 9880
Open Hours
Mon – Fri : 0900-1700
Address
343 High St, Harborne,
Birmingham B17 9QL