Welcome from our Chair
Reverend Canon Frank Longbottom
I am delighted to know, from all the feedback I receive from staff and users of our services, that we are helping to change peoples' lives.
You are giving hope and encouragement to so many. Thank you so much for the exceptional work you do together so caringly. Your endeavour helps others to access support for themselves, and to improve waiting times for them.
We have always worked in partnership, and I believe this has given us such a high rating by the NHS and Local Authority. We continue to build on this pillar of how we operate, most recently in service to those coming out of hospital; those we help to avoid going into hospital; those who are trying to remain well and those who just drop in for support. We do all this and yet hold on to our core vision of "better mental health for all".
Thank you for all that you do, both staff and all who use our services; together you speak to Birmingham of equality, diversity and inclusion. Let us continue our aim to achieve good health for all.
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* Some names have been changed to protect privacy.
In 2020, I was admitted to a secure mental health hospital, at which point I became separated from my friends and family. In 2021, the hospital team spoke to me about residential care. I hadn’t stayed in a care home before, but I was keen to leave hospital, so I was excited at the prospect of living in a care environment.
I was met by two members of staff from Flint Green House, in Acocks Green. They showed me round their large care home, and we looked at different bedrooms that would be available to me. They guided me through the assessment process and explained what support I would receive during my 18 month stay.
The assessment went well and I was informed that I had been offered a place and my mental health team was informed.
Initially I came to Flint Green for day visits. I was introduced to all the staff team and all the other residents, some of whom I knew from the hospital. I chose a bedroom which was furnished and was delighted that this was made up and ready for me on arrival, with new bedding, new towels and a welcome pack.
I formally moved into Flint Green House after three weeks of day visits and then two weeks of staying overnight.
On my first day, staff completed a weekly planner with me and supported me to make my first meal. I was responsible for cleaning the kitchen after use and cleaning my bedroom, tasks I hadn’t been responsible for in while.
The staff at Flint Green House, were so supportive throughout my stay. I was able to obtain my provisional driving licence. I went on to pass my theory test and practical driving test and with support from my dad, I purchased a car.
Birmingham Mind also supported me to go to college to complete my CSCS Card (Construction Skills Certification Scheme), so that I could find work when I left Flint Green House.
Towards the end of my 18 month stay, my keyworker, helped me to register for Social Housing with Birmingham City Council. It took several months, but I finally got offered a property near to my family.
I have been living independently since 2023 and everything is going really well. I have spoken with the staff at Flint Green House several times since I’ve moved out and I know that they are there for support if I need them.
Birmingham Mind has two care homes in the city, you can find out more about our residential care services here Residential Care - Birmingham Mind.
Download as PDF* Some names have been changed to protect privacy.
I was referred to the Birmingham Mind Handsworth Hub, whilst recovering from alcohol addiction due to my PTSD.
I am a veteran and I had recently exited the armed forces. I had been experiencing PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and I had been self-medicating with alcohol. This resulted in the breakdown of my marriage, which lead to me and my wife getting divorced.
I was estranged from my parents and had limited contact with my young son due to concerns over my behavioural issues that had arisen as a result of alcohol abuse. At the time of attending the Hub, I was being supported by CGL (Change, Grow, Live) for my addiction and I was committed to my recovery journey. However I was desperately frustrated with social services and the disconnected relationship with my parents, who had custody of my son. I was suffering from stress which had affected my ability to manage the conflict with my relatives in a healthy way. This was then impeding my ability to navigate contact with my son and increasing my frustration.
Once I began to attend the Handsworth Hub, I was supported with arranging supervised contact with my son. I was receiving some support via the armed services but I was facing an 18 month wait for help from the local CMHT (Community Mental Health Team). What I needed was guidance on the practical steps of arranging supervised contact with my son. I also needed someone to support me emotionally and confirm my engagement in my meetings with social services. I was suffering from a great deal of stress due to tensions within my family and challenges with social services, so I was signed up to the Stress and Anxiety and the Healthy Relationships courses.
Attending both these courses helped me immensely. I was supported in arranging supervised contact with my son, and successfully met with him a number of times at a local contact centre. Birmingham Mind supported me in two meetings with my social services team, family members, alongside armed forces support.
In the beginning I attended the Hub every week to attend the groups, but as my applications for contact progressed, I also received support on a one-to-one basis. In time, this became less and less of a regular requirement as I was able to manage any incidents far more calmly and I needed less and less outside support. I gained a healthier outlook, and I was able to remain calm and in control of my anger. I was less stressed in navigating frustrating systems and I was able to manage these processes by myself. I would not rise to the bait when my family were being difficult, and I was able to achieve the desired outcomes in dealing with social services and arranging contact. I also came to accept the estrangement from my parents and recognised that the unhelpful patterns I had been engaging in were making the situation more painful.
I become more independent, recognising possible avenues to help myself, and strengthening my existing relationships. I have now moved away from Birmingham and I am in the process of renting my own home and I have regular contact with my son as per the guidelines laid out by social services. I feel much happier and calmer and ready to move on with my life.
Accessing support at the Handsworth Hub has been instrumental in changing my life. Without Liz, my Recovery Navigator and Kiran the Stress and Anxiety group facilitator, I would not have been able to make these changes to my life which has enabled me to be part of my sons life. I would not be where I am today without Birmingham Mind.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub service is an innovative service delivered with our partners Creative Support. We have four Recovery Hubs based in Erdington, Handsworth, Yardley and Northfield. Find out more about our Wellbeing Hubs service here Mental Health & Wellbeing Hubs - Birmingham Mind.
Download as PDF* Some names have been changed to protect privacy.
I was previously a patient at Ardenleigh Hospital. I was admitted due my severe hoarding behaviour and inability to maintain a tidy living space, my flat was extremely cluttered, which I’m told was a health and safety risk. I struggle to build trust with healthcare services and doctors, which can be a barrier for me when I need to receive treatment and support.
I was referred to the Birmingham Mind Intensive Community Rehabilitation Team (ICRT). They worked with me at my pace to build up my trust with them. The overall goal was for me to get back home to my flat and I needed help to clear it out. The Intensive Community Rehabilitation Team ensured they were transparent in all their communication and I was able to be involved in the decision-making process.
The team created a step-by-step plan to declutter my flat. Small, manageable goals were set, such as clearing one room at a time or sorting specific items. Regular visits and check-ins ensured that I felt supported and not overwhelmed by the process.
The team also supported me with my debts. I had become extremely anxious about my financial situation and they provided guidance and assistance to help manage my finances.
Lloyd Parehwa – ICRT Service Manager, Birmingham Mind
Whilst supporting Gregory, the team faced challenges in explaining to him that his behaviours might be linked to autism rather than solely mental health issues. To address this, we introduced the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ50) assessment. This provided clear, supportive explanations to help Gregory understand the process and purpose of the assessment.
Gregory began the AQ50 assessment, marking an important step towards a more accurate understanding of his condition.
Gregorys trust in services has improved and he has a good rapport with the Intensive Community Rehabilitation Team. He engages more openly with the team and participates actively in his care plan. His flat is now much tidier, and he continues to work on maintaining a clutter-free environment.
Sorting out his debts has been a major achievement, contributing to a reduction in his anxiety levels.
Gregorys journey from Ardenleigh Hospital to his flat exemplifies the importance of personalised, patient-centred care. The consistent support he has received from the team and the tailored interventions have helped Gregory make significant improvements in his living conditions, financial management, and trust in healthcare services.
Despite not succeeding in every challenge, the small steps Gregory has taken have collectively contributed to a noticeable improvement in his mental health. His ongoing progress with the AQ50 assessment promises further insights and support, highlighting the potential for continued growth and independence.
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* Some names have been changed to protect privacy.
Trigger Warning – This story includes references to self-harm and suicide.
I arrived for my first visit at grounded. in October 2023 and in crisis having been admitted to hospital after a suicide attempt. I did not receive the help I needed following my hospital discharge and I came to Talking Space for emotional support after finding the service online. I was very distressed on that first occasion, but the staff at Talking Space in Selly Oak made me feel safe and welcome. We agreed a ‘safety plan’ where I spoke to a clinician and had a wellbeing call that same night. The call helped me to cope with my emotions and suicidal ideation and I avoided having to go back to A&E which I didn’t want to do.
I do receive support from my CMHT (Community Mental Health Team), but they became unreliable with their visits. During term times, I am thankful for the support I receive from my college wellbeing officer, she is really nice and we have a good relationship. I also work part time and my workplace is supportive of my diagnosis of Autism, ADHD and Dyslexia.
I struggle most when I don’t have this support in place (e.g. school holidays or non-working days). I’ve recently had difficulties with my medication, as I have a combination of meds for ADHD and depression. I was having my meds reviewed weekly, but I am stable and coping better with things now.
The holiday period over Christmas and New Year are particularly difficult for me, with social obligations and family gatherings which I find hard to deal with. Added to this my grandfather has been unwell and went into a care home. He passed away in the new year, which was hard for me process and I am still grieving from his loss.
I have used the Birmingham Mind Helpline and Talking Space service at both Selly Oak and Erdington for emotional support a few times over those six months. In April 2024 I had experienced hearing voices, telling me to kill myself and I stopped eating. I was in a crisis again and I was admitted to hospital.
Since leaving hospital, I feel much better. I am currently finishing my college course and I’m excited to be starting a full-time role at the museum, where I currently work part-time. I love working there and I’m really looking forward to it and the possibility of being more independent in the future.
Attending Talking Space provided me with the emotional support I needed, when my other avenues to support were closed or not accessible to me. The staff listen attentively and supported me to access self- help apps and support from Shout. Putting a safety plan in place, including talks with a clinician and having wellbeing calls after a crisis have really helped me.
The Difference We Make – Donna Henderson, Talking Space Service Manager
“Since Phoebes discharge from hospital, her dad came to Talking Space with gifts of biscuits and cakes to thank me and the team for the support we have given his daughter at this difficult time, as it has impacted on the whole family. Her dad advised if it wasn't for the Talking Space, he doesn't know if his daughter would be alive today.
We have since seen Pheobe, who popped in just to say hello and thank you. She had a big smile on her face which is the first I have seen over the time we have been supporting her. Pheobe’s confidence had improved and felt there was a purpose again and felt heard.”
Our Talking Space service operates 7 days a week, across three locations in Erdington, Selly Oak and Northfield. The service is available from 5pm – 11pm and can be accessed by appointment or by dropping in. For more information visit https://birminghammind.org/what-we-do/talking-space-inc-crisis-support/
Download as PDFTrigger Warning – This story includes references to self-harm and suicide
Our relationship with the Bullring & Grand Central has been instrumental in bringing about the existence of the Wellbeing Hub. For a long time it had been our aim to provide a mental health and wellbeing service in the city centre. Having explored a couple of options, it has only been with the support of the Bullring & Grand Central team that we have finally been able to do this.
At our Wellbeing Hub, we prioritise creating a welcoming and safe environment for all. Unlike other services, attendees do not need to book an appointment, they don’t need to have a mental health diagnosis, or even give their name.
The Bullring had previously seen a rise in suicides, suicide attempts and people experiencing poor mental health. Since it’s opening, the Bullring Wellbeing Hub, on Link Street has invited local retail staff and those from the cleaning and security teams to take part in wellbeing activities such as armchair yoga, craft activities and relaxation.
In the autumn of 2023, we were approached by the manager of the security team asking if we could provide wellbeing sessions specifically for his team. We arranged for Thursday afternoons to be a space for his team to take part in peer support group sessions.
The purpose of the sessions were:
- To get a better understanding and to manage their own mental health.
- To get a better understanding of the mental health of people they work with.
- To get a better understanding of the people accessing the shops and services at the Bullring & Grand Central.
- To provide coping strategies for poor mental health.
- To provide signposting information.
- To give a clear idea of what we provide as a service.
It was nice to get away from work, manage to switch off and be looked after by the Mind team.
The sessions were structured to give those attending greater confidence in supporting people who are struggling with their mental health. We ran the sessions for six weeks and decided we would roll them out to staff periodically in the future.
There were a lot of different sessions put on for the team that catered for a wide range of topics.
Since these sessions, we have built a good rapport with security and cleaning staff that had attended. We have staff coming in to collect our wallet sized cards with our Helpline number to give out to people and we have people attend the Hub on the recommendation of the security team.
The Birmingham Mind Wellbeing Hub was a lovely environment for the team after they had been dealing with a number of serious incidents.
We have had visits from four members of staff in six months since the sessions finished, wanting support from our service. We connected the management team to our trainer at Birmingham Mind who provided further learning to the management team at the Bullring.
Our partnership with Bullring & Grand Central Security Team is firmly cemented in prioritising their wellbeing. As a frontline service in Birmingham city centre, they are exposed to a range of social situations. Recognising and maintaining their own wellbeing during those difficult times, is what this has been about.
It was nice to know that you and the team were just a minute away if we ever needed any support.
Our Bullring Wellbeing Hub is located inside on the top floor of Link Street, between TK Maxx and Supercuts. We are open Monday – Friday between 10am – 4pm. It is open to anyone seeking wellbeing advice, support, signposting or information. The service is aimed at adults over the age of 18, no appointment is needed, and you can remain anonymous if you wish. To find out more and to view our current timetable visit https://birminghammind.org/what-we-do/central-birmingham-wellbeing-hub/
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I have always had a passion for mental health and psychology, and as much as I enjoy being a student, I was ready to gain some practical experience, connecting with people. I am an introvert by nature, but I’d reached a point where I was keen to put my learning to use.
In March 2023 I recognised that volunteering would be a great place to start. My careers tutor at university had suggested Birmingham Mind (a charity I had not considered before) and so I applied online to become a Helpline Volunteer.
Within a couple of weeks applying, I met Marion (Helpline Volunteer Coordinator at Birmingham Mind) and was invited to attend a Helpline Volunteer Induction session. I went on to complete my core training within 5 weeks around my university timetable.
To begin with I commenced a shadowing role for 4 hours a week, listening to calls and hearing how the Helpline Workers responded to those people in need of telephone crisis support, signposting or simply a listening ear. This was the most valuable part of my training.
In April 2023, I was ready to take calls on my own with the support of Andy (Deputy Helpline Manager). I recall my first phone call with a woman seeking emotional support, a moment that filled me with pride. Providing comfort and reassurance during long calls is what I enjoy most about the role. My passion lies in helping individuals, particularly women who have faced domestic violence and those experiencing PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
The role of a Helpline Volunteer was flexible to fit around my university commitments and during May and June I took a short break from volunteering to complete my master’s degree. In the summer I was able to take on extra Volunteer Helpline shifts.
Volunteering with Birmingham Mind has provided me with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills I have acquired at university. I have been able to enhance my expertise by working within the mental health system and collaborating with service delivery partners at the Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust. I am grateful for the professional growth and personal fulfilment that volunteering with Birmingham Mind has brought me.
For anyone thinking of volunteering for Birmingham Mind, my advice would be to just go for it. You really do get to make a difference to the lives of the people you talk to and see the change in the people we support.
Volunteering has hugely benefitted my own mental health, alongside my hobbies of journaling and playing video games. The opportunity to meet and work with a wonderful team of people, has expanded my social network and has given me structure and routine, two things that I crave for my own wellbeing.
In September 2023 I interviewed for and was offered a part-time paid position with Birmingham Minds’ Helpline. In March 2024, I accepted a fulltime position which has given me the financial stability to go and complete my PHD.
For more information about our Helpline and Volunteering with our Helpline visit Helpline - Birmingham Mind.
Download as PDFWe’ve heard from our six amazing story tellers on the difference Birmingham Mind has made to their lives through, crisis intervention support, recovery and volunteering, but what about the rest? Here’s the difference we made across Birmingham and Solihull last year.
25,850
people accessed a service delivered by Birmingham Mind
We answered
17,566
phone calls between 9am – 11pm over 365 days!
6,572
people contacted us via our online web chat.
1,240
people have dropped in to our new Bullring Wellbeing Hub.
Our
12
Trustees donated
528
hours of their time.
We appointed
2
new Trustees to our Board in October 2023.
Our Helpline welcomed
33
new volunteers.
12
Volunteers have accessed employment or education as a direct result of volunteering at the Birmingham Mind Helpline.
We recruited
50
new staff members last year, with a total of
194
people working for Birmingham Mind.
We delivered
89 training courses
in the last 12 months, delivered by 9 different trainers
a total of 1,145 people.
100%
of our Helpline Volunteers surveyed said they enjoy volunteering with Birmingham Mind.
107
People trained in Mental Health First Aid as part of our partnership with the Aston Villa Foundation.
149
staff received induction or refresher training within the last 12 months.
In 2024 we delivered 2 Menopause in the Workplace training courses for our Management Team.
99%
of our staff have completed our 5 Mandatory training courses: Cyber Security, Equality Diversity and Inclusion, GDPR, Health and Safety, and Safeguarding, Adults Level.
62.2%
felt that they could influence Birmingham Mind.
961
people accessed our out of hours Crisis Intervention service, known as Talking Space.
We received 44 complaints in the last 12 months, 52% were either upheld or partially upheld.
We received
78
compliments from our service users, their family and professionals.
98.5%
of our service users rated our services as either good or excellent.
97.1%
said we had contributed to their recovery journey.
98.3%
of service users said that they would most likely or definitely recommend Birmingham Mind to their friends and family.
97.6%
of respondents rated the quality of our communication as either good or excellent
8 out of 10
respondents felt involved when influencing the work of Birmingham Mind.
But ultimately, we do all of this to provide the care and support to the adults who need our services, giving them the opportunity to have the best possible chance of fulfilling their lives, being in control of their mental health, managing their recovery journey and prioritising their wellbeing.
How You Gave Your Support
You raised an incredible £211,058 through corporate partnerships, individual cash giving, regular donations and local fundraising initiatives.
This included events like Mental Elf in Cannon Hill Park, where over 200 people ran or walked 5km to raise over £18,000, whilst having great fun in the December weather.
We're so grateful to corporate partners, volunteers, participants and people we support for being such a key part of our fundraising events throughout the year, through your endlessly creative quizzes, bake sales, hikes and challenges.
How did you spend my donation?
This year our fundraised income went to directly towards supporting our:
- Mental Health Helpline which operates 365 days of the year
- Peer Mentor service which supports staff who use their own lived experience of mental health to inspire and support others.
The Trustees confirm that the financial information presented is extracted from the full financial statements.
Copies of the full financial statements, which were approved by the Charity’s Trustees on 8 August 2024, are available on our website.
| 2024 (£) | 2023 (£) | |
| Total Income | 10,297,407 | 10,075,108 |
| Total Expenditure | 10,308,913 | 10,371,846 |
| Net Income | (11,506) | (296,738) |
| Recognised Gains/(Losses) | (228,392) | (172,000) |
| Net Movement in Funds | (239,898) | (468,738) |
| Total Funds brought forward | 3,403,671 | 3,872,409 |
| Total Funds carried forward | 3,163,773 | 3,403,671 |
Birmingham Mind has 21 locations (made up of offices, accommodation sites and community spaces) across Birmingham, with our Head Office based in the Jewellery Quarter. For enquiries to our Head Office please call 0121 608 8001.
We are proud to have received numerous awards, nominations, and celebrations over the past 12 months, reflecting the hard work and dedication of our team. Here's a roundup of our recent achievements:
Two Mind Excellence Awards - February 2023
Following our Mind Quality Mark (MQM) Award in 2022. We were delighted to receive two Mind Excellence Awards in 2023, for our work in Influence & Participation and Finance & Fundraising.
“These awards are a testament to all the hard work done by Birmingham Mind in our Finance Team and around Participation and Influence (Service user involvement). We should never stop striving to improve and I am proud that Birmingham Mind has received the recognition it deserves in both of these categories.” - Helen Wadley, CEO
BBC Gardeners World Live | Wander and Wonder - Gold Award June 2023
Awarded to the brilliant RHS Level 2 Students from Winterbourne House and Gardens for their entry into the BBC Gardeners World Live, Beautiful Borders category. The border was designed for the service users of Rookery Gardens. The 25 ceramic snails hidden throughout the border represent the 25 homes on site at Rookery Gardens and is now rehomed in our orchard for the benefit of residents, staff, volunteers and visitors.
Third Sector Care Awards March 2024
Leadership Award, awarded to Donna Henderson our Talking Space Service Manager Community Engagement Award, awarded to our East Birmingham Vulnerable Adults Team.
Birmingham Mind Staff Long Service Awards December 2023
We celebrated staff who had achieved their 5 year, 10 year and 15 year long service awards, with four staff members collecting their 20 year award, two people received their award for 30 Years service. Shirley Williams, Operations Manager for Registered Services, collected our first ever 40 Year Service Award.
Birmingham Awards - Finalist November 2023
Donna Henderson Talking Space Service Manager, a finalist in the category of Employee of the Year.
Midlands Service Excellence Award - Rising Star of the Year March 2024
Awarded to our Fundraising Lead Kerrie Henry-Edge.
HSJ Partnership Award January 2024
Grounded at Selly Oak and Birmingham Minds Talking Space service were a finalist in the category of Best Mental Health Partnership with the NHS.
In Memory
In April 2024, our Involvement & Participation Manager Andrew Nicholls sadly passed away.
Andrew had worked for Birmingham Mind for 22 years, starting his career working in our supported housing service, later taking up the role of Volunteer Co-ordinator and more recently the position of Influence and Participation Manager.
In 2019, Andrew took on the role as Manager of our Anti-Stigma group and, through his passion to acknowledge that mental health stigma still exists, set to work to break down those barriers faced by so many by working with different faith groups, women’s and children’s services and the LGBTQIA community. His empathy and kindness touched the lives of many and he will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Andrew's dedication to his work and his passion for making a difference to the lives of others will always be remembered.
In memory of Andrews dedication and service, we are introducing the Andrew Nicholls Award. A prestigious annual award, that will recognise those who empower, encourage and inspire the voice of others. More details about the award will be announced on our website soon.
Reflections from our CEO!
Helen Wadley
This year, like many before it, has seen some incredible milestones achieved through the dedication of our services. However, it has also been marked by the loss of someone very dear to us —Andrew Nichols. Andrew worked with us for 22 years and played a pivotal role in shaping our efforts around service user engagement, influence, and our external anti-stigma campaigns. He is deeply missed.
As I reflect on the stories within this impact report, the idea of "partnership" continually stands out. Our staff possess remarkable skills in building trust with those we serve, offering unwavering support and walking alongside them on their journey. I often envision a person at a crossroads, with one of our team members by their side—explaining the various paths available, but always reassuring them that we’ll be there, ready to walk down whichever road they choose.
Whether someone is in a crisis, is partway through their journey, or is feeling stuck, we are committed to being there—wherever and whenever we are needed. Financial support allows us to reach more people, but an investment in Birmingham Mind goes beyond funding. It empowers us to place more staff at those crossroads, helping individuals take meaningful steps toward a better life.
Thank you to our staff, volunteers, trustees, supporters, and funders for making this work possible.
Download section as PDFBirmingham Mind would like to thank the following for their continued financial contributions:
- Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust
- Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Provider Collaborative
- Birmingham City Council
- Forward Thinking Birmingham
- NHS England
- Stone Family Foundation
- Walsall Council
Housing Partners
- Adullam Homes Housing Association
- Bromford Housing
- Citizen Housing
- Longhurst Group
- Midland Heart Housing Association
- Nehemiah Housing Association
- R & J Support & Care Services Limited