“Finding Your Voice” – A New Group Well-being Session from Bethel’s Rapha Listening Service

by | 16/ Jun/ 2025 | Blog | 0 comments

Rapha Group Session Flyer

Date: Friday 27 June 2025 Time: 10:30 am – 1:00 pm Venue: 1st Floor, Bloomsbury Health Centre, 63 Rupert Street, Nechells, Birmingham B7 5DT

Why this workshop?

One of the most common themes that emerges during Rapha Listening Service calls is the struggle to speak up with confidence, whether at a GP appointment, in the workplace, or even within our own families. The fear of “getting it wrong” can leave us feeling powerless and, ultimately, unheard. In response, the Rapha team have developed “Finding Your Voice”, a free, half-day group session that blends gentle creativity with practical communication tools. The workshop is part of our Fairer Futures Fund (FFF) project, which aims to give people in West Birmingham the confidence and skills to advocate for themselves and for their communities.

All participants receive some light refreshments

 

The session is open to anyone aged 18 or over; you do not need to be an existing Bethel service user.

How “Finding Your Voice” links to Bethel’s wider work

  • Rapha Listening Service – If you find group settings daunting, or you’d like deeper one-to-one support afterwards, our confidential phone and face-to-face appointments are available at no cost.

  • Doula Service – Many expectant or new mums tell us that feeling “voiceless” in medical or statutory settings adds to their anxiety. Doulas can advocate alongside mothers, ensuring they are heard during pregnancy, birth and the early weeks of parenthood.

Ways to get involved

  • Attend – Reserve your free place by emailing kay@bethelnetwork.org.uk or iffat@bethelnetwork.org.uk, or call/text 07919 526 917.

  • Share – Know someone who struggles to speak up? Please pass this invitation on.

  • Volunteer – Our Rapha and Doula teams are always looking for listeners, language interpreters and community connectors. Full training is provided, and volunteering is a proven way to build confidence while helping others.

  • Partner or donate – Faith groups, employers and local businesses can sponsor future workshops or refer individuals who would benefit. Visit bethelnetwork.org.uk/donate to find out more.

A final word

At Bethel Health & Healing Network we believe every voice deserves to be heard.“Finding Your Voice” is our latest step in creating spaces where people can practise, be encouraged and leave feeling equipped to speak with confidence.If you have any questions about the session, our Rapha Listening Service or the wider work of Bethel, please do get in touch. We hope to welcome you on 27 June and, together, help more people find the courage to share their stories.
— The Rapha Team

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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