Sharing our experience with Lloyds Banking Group

by | 25/ Oct/ 2021 | Blog, Events, Uncategorized, Volunteering

We were delighted to host Charlie Nunn, the new CEO of Lloyds Banking Group when he visited Birmingham in October

Charlie met with us to see first-hand some of the great work of charities supported by Lloyds Bank Foundation.

The Foundation is a long term partner of Bethel Health and Healing Network. As a result, we can access free training and consultancy from specialist providers as well as funding for our vital work.

Madge Milligan-Green, CEO of Bethel, said, “Growing from a grassroots organisation and becoming an established charity is a challenging journey. The work involved could be overwhelming without the expertise offered by Lloyds.

“It was a pleasure to talk to Charlie about these challenges and for him to see at first hand what we do.”

Charlie dropped in on a celebration arranged for Bethel volunteers as part of his visit. He also talked with the team about their work before meeting other charities that the Foundation supports.

 

Main picture: Madge Milligan-Green CEO Bethel and Charlie Nunn, CEO Lloyds Bank Group

As a Doula Champion, you might accompany expectant mothers to prenatal appointments, provide birthing support if needed, help new mums with newborn care and breastfeeding, and ensure they attend their 6-week postnatal checks. You become a trusted companion and advocate for mothers who might otherwise be alone or uncertain.

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You will receive accredited doula training from experienced professionals (led by an ex-NHS midwife) , covering birth coaching, maternal health, and safeguarding. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the skills and
confidence to support women one-on-one.

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This pathway is ideal if you are interested in maternity care or midwifery. It offers invaluable hands-on experience – from attending births (optionally) to postpartum support – giving you a taste of a career in maternal health. Many Doula Champions use this experience as a springboard into NHS roles, midwifery training, or paid doula work in the future.

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Key activities: You will provide one-to-one support through active listening sessions – this could be over the phone, via video call, or in person. You let people share their feelings, and you offer empathy and guidance towards further help if needed (such as suggesting community services). Often, just being there to listen can make a huge difference.

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Training provided: You will undergo intensive training in reflective listening and mental health first response. Our training (often delivered via Zoom over a series of sessions) will teach you how to handle sensitive conversations, maintain confidentiality, and know your boundaries . By completion, you’ll be a certified listening volunteer with skills applicable to counseling or psychology fields.

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Emphasize volunteer scope: Rapha Champions commit to at least an hour per week of listening support for a client after training , which can often be arranged flexibly. You might have regular weekly calls with a client for a period of time. There are also opportunities to facilitate group sessions or community support groups as you grow in experience.

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Benefits and career pathways: This pathway is perfect if you’re interested in mental health, counseling, or social work. The experience you gain – in communication, empathy, and understanding mental health – is highly relevant to careers in counseling, psychotherapy, mental health nursing, or community support roles. Rapha Champions have a pathway to progress into formal counseling courses or mental health roles in the NHS or voluntary sector.” (For example, mention “You could go on to become a paid listening service coordinator or pursue qualifications in therapy – the programme can open these doors.

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