News
Sport 4 Life CEO Honoured with MBE for Youth Impact
Tom Clarke-Forrest, Chief Executive of our member organisation Sport 4 Life UK, has been presented with his MBE by HRH The Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle, in recognition of his exceptional work supporting young people across the West Midlands.
The presentation comes just days before Sport 4 Life UK marks its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of helping young people build confidence, develop skills and unlock their potential through sport, employability and personal development.
Tom said:
"What began with a simple belief in the power of sport, a love for the West Midlands and a passion for supporting young people has grown into something far greater than any of the founding team could have imagined.
To everyone who has supported our mission, believed in our work and helped us make a positive difference, thank you."
Bethel Celebrates 20 Years of Supporting Birmingham Communities
Bethel Health & Healing Network is inviting partners and the wider community to celebrate its 20th anniversary at a special fundraising ball on Saturday 18 July 2026 at Edgbaston Park Hotel.
The black-tie event will mark two decades of Bethel's work supporting vulnerable women and families across Birmingham through its doula service, Rapha Listening Service and community health programmes.
Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, live entertainment and the presentation of the King's Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), which Bethel received in recognition of its outstanding contribution to local communities.
Funds raised during the evening will help Bethel continue providing vital support to vulnerable pregnant women, new mothers and families across the city.
The charity, which supported more than 500 people during 2024/25, hopes the celebration will also recognise the volunteers, partners and supporters who have contributed to its success over the past 20 years.
As a valued member of the Living Well Consortium, Bethel continues to play an important role in strengthening health and wellbeing across Birmingham through partnership working and community-based support.
Women's Consortium to Deliver New Counselling Service
We’re pleased to share that our Consortium Member Women's Consortium will be delivering a new counselling contract, in partnership with Cruse Bereavement Support, Kapella Counselling, University providers, and a diverse range of community and faith-based organisations.
This partnership gives Women’s Consortium a great opportunity strengthen and support the emotional wellbeing across our communities.
The service is available to adults aged 18 and over across Birmingham and Solihull who are experiencing mild to moderate emotional distress. It is here to support people whose needs may not currently be met by NHS Talking Therapies or Neighbourhood Mental Health Teams. Where NHS Talking Therapies or Neighbourhood Mental Health Teams may also be suitable, people will be supported to choose the option that best meets their needs.
Community counselling can offer support with:
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- Low mood or depression
- Trauma
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and/or family difficulties
- Adjusting to life changes
- Low self-esteem or confidence
- Identity and cultural wellbeing concerns
Breaking down barriers: My Mental Well-Being Coach Series from Martin Hogg launches on Amazon
Martin Hogg, founder of Citizen Coaching CIC, launches a new book series focused on accessible strategies to improve mental health for all.
Martin says, “The hardest thing is that, as a counsellor, you can't help everyone immediately. As counsellors, we hate waiting lists but the fact is there is way more demand than supply. We must use all the tools and technology we have to ensure people get the best possible service.”
“With the continuing demand for mental health support, I want to share what I know with others so it can help them with their issues or equip them with the tools to help others. I like to keep things simple, easily understandable and memorable. It’s the practical application that will mean success or failure.”
LIMBIC AI within Living Well Consortium
To help manage growing demand alongside existing phone and professional referral systems, we introduced Limbic in October 2023.
LIMBIC Access has now released a study showing how this decision has impacted our self-referral process.
Shine a light in the dark
grounded., is proud to announce a special Diwali initiative set to take place on the evening of 1st November at their Hall Green branch. This unique event invites those alone for the celebration to participate in the tradition of lighting a candle and leaving a message for the next visitor, creating an environment that encourages connection, reflection, and promotes a feeling of belonging.
Exercise addiction: 7 signs you definitely shouldn’t ignore
grounded. St. Pauls coming soon
Since 2023 grounded. has offered support to over 7,000 people; either through NHS Talking Therapies, free workshops, or simply by providing a safe space where where a cup of coffee meets a moment of mindfulness. Located directly in the Jewellery Quarter, grounded. St. Pauls will open its door soon to the public.
You can find out more about the plans for grounded. St. Pauls here.
Milk Mates at grounded. Hall Green
A friendly baby and toddler group with infant feeding support from trained peer supporters. You are welcome to bring your baby/child. The support space is women only, partners/supporters are welcome to come along with you and there is a waiting area for male supporters.
This is a small group, and so spaces need to be booked in advance here.
Feedback from St. Paul’s CDT – Angling for Young People Project, funded by Living Well
All participants agreed that it was relaxing sitting by the lake in the natural environment and whilst fishing 80% agreed it helped with their anxiety. Have a look at one parent’s personal review and experience here.
Not feeling happy? An interview with our Awa Njie
Awa Njie, Senior Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner at Living Well was interviewed by workplacewellbeing.org on happiness and scientifically proven methods to lift your mood. Check out the article here.
Donate to grounded. with Dona
You can now directly support grounded. by donating through the secure Dona service. Your donation will directly support our grounded. programme which provides wellbeing spaces for the community. Please visit https://groundedcafe.co.uk/ to explore more about grounded. Selly Oak and grounded. Hall Green.
African centred black male Healing Circles
Pattigift invites you to come and join the weekly gathering. There is nothing more powerful than Black Men Healing! Enjoy fellowship and networking with other Black men who are focused on healing their entire lives. Become empowered while discussing topics and issues that are important to you and other black men.
Wednesdays 6.30 - 8PM. Space is limited. Register today under www.pattigifttherapy.com
grounded. Hall Green opens it's doors
In January 2024 Living Well opened their second grounded. wellbeing space. Located in the heart of Hall Green the venue provides disparately needed on ground support to the community.
You can find out more about grounded. here.