CEO’s welcome and insights into Bethel’s new contractual year.  

by | 3/ Apr/ 2023 | Blog | 0 comments

Happy new month!

I’m excited to let you know about the projects that are starting within the next couple of weeks. These projects are all part of a strategy to grow into new areas, providing amazing services for those who need them most.

DOULA

Our extended doula service is due to start in Sandwell this April, providing vulnerable pregnant women with support through pregnancy, birth and beyond.

We also have funding from Core 20, which will be used to train 10 new Doula Champions to support the most vulnerable moms across Birmingham and Solihull. Our Doula Champions stand many benefits, including personal growth, upskilling, volunteer references and an attractive tempo timeshare offer, which can be used all over the country. Applications for this are ongoing, and spaces are limited. You can visit our website here, for more enquires and to apply.

We are currently running FLOW writing and healing workshops for mothers who’ve experienced baby loss after which our pregnancy after baby loss group will be established to provide a community of like minds. More information will passed across.

RAPHA

Our Rapha service provides a Listening Service for both men and women adults across Birmingham and Solihull, and we have been growing this successfully over the last few months. From the 1st of April, this will be expanding even further in partnership with Living Well Consortium.

Funding from both the Eveson Trust and the Heart of England Trust is enabling additional support for those who need listening sessions for both men and women across Birmingham, where the support is needed most.

Under the Rapha service, applications are also open for ‘walk talk move and heal’ programme for 40+ men from an ethnic minority background and experiencing mental health challenges. This programme aims to help men improve their wellbeing with free weekly activities, including: supervised walks, supervised cycle rides, supervised swim sessions, supervised gym sessions.

Spaces are limited, click here to register your interest or enquire contact Alison via email: alison@bethelnetwork.org.uk or tel: 07717661387.

Finally, some of our staff members are now community pass holders, and will be taking service users/clients to historical venues across Birmingham, such as Sarehole Mill, Blakesley House, Aston Hall and the Think Tank. More information will be communicated.

I am looking forward to the continued growth of Bethel health and healing network throughout this new year and partnering with new organisations, opening opportunities for bridging the gap where service provision is low. It is an exciting time with lots of great new projects in the pipeline, so watch this space!! We welcome volunteers, partnerships and donations to support our expansion. Stay updated with all things Bethel by following our social media pages. Once more, we wish you a happy new month.

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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