One-to-one counselling
A confidential space to talk with a qualified counsellor at your own pace.
Community Counselling
Free counselling across Birmingham and Solihull
Free short-term counselling for adults aged 18 and over living in Birmingham or Solihull.
A confidential space for mild to moderate emotional distress, including low mood, grief, trauma, relationship pressures, identity concerns and difficult life changes.
- No GP referral required
- Adults 18+
- In person, online or phone
You can self-refer directly. A GP referral is not required.
Delivered by Women's Consortium in partnership with Kapella Counselling and Cruse Bereavement Support, as part of an NHS-commissioned community counselling service.
About the service
Support for life's difficult moments
Life can feel difficult for many reasons, including grief, trauma, low mood, depression, relationship pressures or major life changes.
This service gives you a confidential space to talk and explore what support may help. It is designed to make counselling easier to access in local communities, with support that considers language, culture, disability, age, identity and life circumstances.
If Community Counselling is not the right support for you, we will help connect you to a more suitable service.
Community Counselling supports people with
Grief, bereavement or loss
Space to talk about loss and receive support at your own pace.
Trauma or difficult experiences
A steady space to talk through what has happened at a manageable pace.
Low mood or depression
Support if you feel low, withdrawn, flat or unable to cope.
Relationship or family challenges
Time to think through what is happening and what support may be needed.
Confidence, identity and change
Help with self-esteem, identity concerns, loneliness or major life changes.
Cultural or community pressures
Inclusive support that considers culture, identity and life circumstances.
Support available
Talk one-to-one or connect through group support
Sessions can be delivered in person, online or by phone, depending on your needs and availability.
Group support
Guided sessions to connect, share and feel less alone with others who may have similar experiences.
Our approach
Built around access, trust and local support
This service is inclusive, welcoming people from all backgrounds, languages, identities and abilities.
Local and accessible settings
Support delivered closer to communities across Birmingham and Solihull.
Flexible ways to access counselling
Sessions may be offered in person, online or by phone, depending on need and availability.
Support that considers identity and culture
We consider language, culture, disability, age, identity and life circumstances as part of the support offered.
Clear referral routes
Individuals can self-refer, and professionals can also make referrals through a simple referral process.
How it works
Getting started is simple
Make a referral
You can refer yourself directly, or a professional can refer you.
We review it
Our team checks whether Community Counselling is the right support for your needs.
We contact you
We aim to contact you within 5 working days to talk through next steps.
We match support
If suitable, we match you with the most appropriate counsellor or delivery partner.
Counselling begins
You will usually be offered up to 6 short-term sessions within 2 to 12 weeks.
Who delivers this service
Delivered by trusted local organisations
Community Counselling is led by Women's Consortium and delivered in partnership with Kapella Counselling and Cruse Bereavement Support.
Counsellors are qualified and registered or accredited with recognised professional bodies, including BACP, UKCP or equivalent.
Women's Consortium
Coordinates the central referral hub, triage and allocation process for Birmingham North, East, West, Central and Solihull.
Kapella Counselling
Supports counselling delivery, including relationship-focused and trauma-informed counselling.
Cruse Bereavement Support
Provides specialist bereavement and grief support, including one-to-one and group support where appropriate.
Information for professionals
Simple referral routes for local partners
Community Counselling accepts referrals from GPs, primary care services, social prescribers, Neighbourhood Mental Health Teams, NHS Talking Therapies services, community organisations and other locality providers.
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.
It is not suitable for people who:
- Are aged 17 or under
- Are in immediate crisis
- Are experiencing active suicidal thoughts
- Have severe or complex mental health needs requiring secondary care support
What happens after you refer
- We review the referral and assess suitability.
- The person referred is contacted about next steps.
- If the service is not suitable, we aim to signpost to an appropriate alternative.
- With consent, we can keep you updated on the referral outcome.
Ready to take the first step?
You can self-refer directly
If you, or someone you support, could benefit from short-term counselling, you can complete a referral today. A GP referral is not required.
Urgent help
This is not a crisis service
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact urgent support.
- 999 emergency services
- NHS 111 - select the mental health option
- Samaritans - 116 123, free and available 24/7
- Birmingham Mind Mental Health Helpline - 0121 262 3555 or freephone 0800 915 9292
- Text SPACE to 85258