Free Community Counselling across Birmingham and Solihull
Community Counselling offers a safe and confidential space to talk through difficult experiences, feelings or life situations.
The service is free and designed to make counselling easier to access in local communities, with support that considers language, culture, disability, age, identity and life circumstances.
WHO CAN USE THIS SERVICE?
For adults aged 18+ in Birmingham or Solihull
This service is for adults who live locally or are registered with a GP in Birmingham or Solihull.
It offers short-term counselling in a community setting for people experiencing mild to moderate emotional distress, including those who may face barriers to accessing existing NHS mental health support.
The service is open to adults of all genders, backgrounds, cultures, identities and life circumstances.
You do not need a diagnosis or referral letter to ask for support.
Financial worries, ill health, caring responsibilities, work pressures and other challenges can all take their toll on our closest relationships, turning something that should be a source of support into another source of stress and conflict.
Community Counselling can support people with:
WHERE WE COVER
Across Birmingham and Solihull
WC manages referrals for Birmingham North, East, West, Central and Solihull, working in partnership with Kapella Counselling and Cruse Bereavement Support to deliver the service.
Referrals for Birmingham South are managed separately by Gateway Family Services.
SUPPORT AVAILABLE
What support is available?
You may be offered short-term counselling, usually up to 6 sessions, depending on your needs and suitability.
One-to-one counselling
A private space to talk with a qualified counsellor at your own pace, in a way that considers your background, identity and life circumstances.
Group support
Group sessions can give you a supportive space to share, listen and connect with others who may have had similar experiences.
In person, online or by phone
Sessions are offered flexibly around your needs and availability, helping you access support in a way that works for you.
Culturally sensitive support
Support that considers your language, culture, disability, age and identity so you can feel heard, respected and understood.
Trauma-informed approach
Counselling is offered in a calm, supportive way. You will not be rushed, and sessions can move at a pace that feels safe for you.
Language and accessibility
WC can discuss any communication, language or access needs during the referral process, so appropriate arrangements can be made where possible.
HOW IT WORKS
Getting started is simple
Make a referral
WC review your referral
WC contact you
WC will match you with the right support
Counselling begins
If Community Counselling is not the right support for you, WC will help guide you towards a more suitable service where possible.
Sessions may be offered, depending on your needs and availability:
INFORMATION FOR PROFESSIONALS
Simple referral routes for local partners
This service is for adults who live locally or are registered with a GP. 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.
Please use the professional referral form and include any relevant information about the person’s needs, risks, safeguarding concerns, access needs and consent to be contacted.
If you need urgent help, please see the urgent support information at the bottom of this page.
Make a professional referralBefore making a referral, please check that the person:
- Is aged 18 or over
- Lives in Birmingham or Solihull
- Is experiencing mild to moderate emotional distress
- Has agreed to be referred and contacted by the service
- Is not in immediate crisis or requiring emergency support
If you are unsure whether to refer, please contact us and we can help identify the most appropriate pathway.
ACCESS FREE COMMUNITY COUNSELLING
Take the next step
You can self-refer directly or ask a professional to refer you. A GP referral is not required.
Referral support
This service is not suitable if you:
- Are in immediate crisis
- Are experiencing active suicidal thoughts
- Need emergency or safeguarding intervention
- Have severe or complex mental health needs requiring secondary care support
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, please contact one of the urgent support services listed here.
- Immediate danger: Call 999 or go to Accident and Emergency (A&E)
- Urgent mental health help: Call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option
- Birmingham Mind Helpline: 0121 262 3555 or 0800 915 9292
- Text support: Text Space to 85258
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 for free, 24/7
Who We Support
Here at Kapella, we believe everyone deserves access to support. Our services are inclusive and open to individuals, couples, and families – regardless of your relationship status, gender, sexual orientation, or background.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Community Counselling is open to adults of all genders who meet the service criteria.
Please contact us if you need help with the form, or if you need information in another language or an accessible format. We will do our best to support you.
Professionals can use the professional referral form to refer someone they support. If a family member, friend or carer is helping, the person being referred should give consent.
The form asks for basic contact details, the reason for referral, and any important information about risk, access needs or communication preferences.
You can still make a referral. Please tell WC (formerly Women’s Consortium) in the form about any support you already receive, so we can check whether Community Counselling is right for you.
Yes. Your information will be handled confidentially. WC (formerly Women’s Consortium) may only share information where needed to provide safe support, where consent has been given, or where there is a safeguarding concern.
Please contact WC (formerly Women’s Consortium). We can help check your referral route and guide you to the right local support.