One-to-one counselling
A private space to talk with a qualified counsellor at your own pace.
Community Counselling
Community Counselling across Birmingham and Solihull
Free short-term counselling for adults of all genders aged 18 and over living in Birmingham or Solihull.
A safe and confidential space to talk through difficult experiences, feelings or life situations — with support that considers language, culture, disability, age, identity and life circumstances.
- No GP referral required
- Adults 18+ • All genders welcome
- In person, online or phone
You can self-refer directly. A GP referral is not required. If you are a professional supporting someone, you can make a referral with their consent.
An NHS-commissioned community counselling service, developed with the VCFSE sector to improve access to local support — delivered by Women's Consortium, Kapella Counselling, Cruse Bereavement Support and Gateway Family Services.
About the service
Support closer to your community
Community Counselling offers a safe and confidential space to talk through difficult experiences, feelings or life situations.
The service is designed to make counselling easier to access in local communities, with support that considers language, culture, disability, age, identity and life circumstances.
Sessions may be offered in person, online or by phone, depending on your needs and availability.
If this is not the right support for you, we will help guide you towards a more suitable service where possible.
Community Counselling can support people experiencing:
Low mood or depression
Support if you feel low, withdrawn, flat or unable to cope.
Stress or anxiety
A space to talk through anxious thoughts and difficult feelings.
Grief, bereavement or loss
Space to talk about loss and receive support at your own pace.
Trauma or difficult life experiences
A steady space to talk through what has happened at a manageable pace.
Relationship or family difficulties
Time to think through what is happening and what support may be needed.
Adjusting to life changes
Help to navigate transitions and significant changes in your life.
Low self-esteem or confidence
Support to build your confidence and sense of self.
Identity, culture or wellbeing concerns
Inclusive support that considers your culture, identity and life circumstances.
This service is not suitable if you:
- 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
If you need urgent help, please see the urgent support information at the bottom of this page.
Where we cover
Coverage across Birmingham and Solihull
Women's Consortium coordinates referrals for Birmingham North, East, West, Central and Solihull.
Referrals for Birmingham South are managed separately by Gateway Family Services.
If you are not sure which area you come under, please contact us and we can help guide you to the right referral route.
Not sure which area you are in? Contact us and we will help you find the right referral route.
Support available
What support is available?
You may be offered short-term counselling, usually up to 6 sessions, depending on your needs and suitability.
Group support
Where suitable, group sessions may help you connect with others who may have similar experiences.
Flexible sessions
Support may be offered in person, online or by phone, depending on your needs and availability.
Culturally sensitive support
Counselling considers your background, identity, culture and life circumstances.
Trauma-informed approach
Support is offered in a way that recognises how difficult experiences can affect how people feel and cope.
Language and accessibility
Language or accessibility needs can be discussed as part of the referral process.
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. 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.
We contact you
We aim to contact you within 5 working days to talk through your needs and next steps.
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.
Who delivers this service
Delivered by trusted local organisations
Community Counselling is led by Women's Consortium, working with Kapella Counselling and Cruse Bereavement Support across Birmingham North, East, West, Central and Solihull. Birmingham South is delivered separately by Gateway Family Services.
Counselling is provided by qualified counsellors who are 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.
Gateway Family Services
Delivers the service in Birmingham South.
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 will review the referral and assess suitability.
- The person referred will be contacted about next steps, usually within the agreed access timescale.
- If the service is not suitable, we will aim to signpost to an appropriate alternative.
- With consent, we can keep you updated on the outcome of the referral.
If you are unsure whether this service is suitable, please contact us and we can help identify the most appropriate pathway.
Access Community Counselling
If you would like to access support, complete a referral today
You can self-refer directly or ask a professional to refer you. A GP referral is not required.
Urgent help
This is not a crisis service
This service provides community counselling support. It is not a crisis service. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact:
- 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