Jennifer Jones-Rigby MBA, PGCE, CMgr, MCMI, FRSA

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Jennifer Jones-Rigby as CEO for Bethel Health and Healing Network. Jennifer commenced the post on the 5th July 2022 and is based at their Head Office in Balsall Health in Birmingham.

The Board conducted a rigorous selection process in which internal and external candidates were assessed for the role.  There were several exceptional candidates for the role, Jennifer stood out both with her 25 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector and her 15 years’ experience as a Senior Leader working within Health and Wellbeing, locally, nationally and internationally and her last post as Chief Operating Officer for Health Exchange.  Having achieved her MBA at Aston Business School, she brings with her both a wealth of hands-on experience leading organisations and the theoretical and foundational principles and tools to support business growth.

Jennifer has had to hit the ground running and is spending the first few months listening and hearing from the Board, Senior management Team, Staff Volunteers and Service Users. She picks up the reigns from Tim Tranter who stepped in as Interim CEO for a short while, whilst a new CEO was recruited.  Our thanks are extended to him for helping to bring Jennifer up to speed in a short amount of time.

The Board, would like to thank the Senior Management Team, Staff and Volunteers for supporting each other and continuing to work hard, to provide much needed services in our communities, whilst experiencing a time of organisational change and transition.

Jennifer brings with her experience of building and working with several partnerships across the City of Birmingham and beyond, is already using her significant experience and inclusive approach to further build and support the teams work collaboratively. This will enable growth into new areas and new service development.

I am sure you will join with me in wishing Jennifer every success in her new role.

Duncan Moore

Chair – Bethel HHN Board

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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