Birmingham Mind

02/09/2026

One for the parents, carers and grandparents...

Whether it’s their ...
1️⃣ First day ever
🏫 Their first day at “big school”,
🎒 Their "last" ever first day,
📖 A new school
👔 A new uniform or
💼 Simply something new… the back-to-school season can hit us hard.

So today, we’re holding space for all the parents supporting someone through something new.

Because showing up on the big day can be hard. We carry the weight of their excitement, their nerves, their worries (and sometimes our own!).

And whatever you’re feeling, once that first drop-off or school run is done, make sure you give yourself a HUGE hug👏

Take a moment to remember that our children are moving forward, taking their next steps, growing into brilliant kids and young adults. Every new start, new term, new school and new adventure is something to be celebrated. 🎉

Why not pop in the comments what you’ll be doing to celebrate you, this new academic year.

Us? We’ll have the kettle on, enjoying a cuppa in peace ☕️… and probably be booking tickets for our festive adventures ahead of the next school holiday at our Mental Elf Festive Fun Run! 🎄😉 🏃‍♀️

01/09/2026

Entering the best four months of the year... who's ready? 🍂 🎃 ☕ ⛄

A change in season and routine can be a great time to check in on our wellbeing.

As the days become shorter and the weather gets cooler, it's natural for our mood and energy levels to dip. It's also a great opportunity to build our resilience, embrace the things we have to look forward to, and support one another through the 'ber months.

Why not a take a moment to check in with yourself and with those around you. A simple conversation can make a real difference.

If you need support, we're here every day.

📞 Call our Helpline on 0121 262 3555
🕘 Open daily, 9am–11pm

31/08/2026

🔜 Mental Health First Aid Refresher Training throughout November and December

If you completed your Mental Health First Aid training 3 or more years ago, it could be a good time to think about doing a refresher course.

If it's time to refresh your skills, book onto an MHFA Refresher course now and feel confident that you are performing your vital role safely. We have courses both online and on site

Wednesday 11th November 2026
Friday 27th November 2026
Monday 14th December 2026

You can see the full course details, price, booking and availability via our booking page: https://bit.ly/3SvWaD2

30/08/2026

⚠️ LAST FEW DAYS TO APPLY ⚠️

Are you looking for a new adventure this autumn 🍂

Join Birmingham Mind as we take on the stunning Edale & Hope Valley Skyline Challenge in the heart of the Peak District.

This demanding 32km (20 mile) trek will take participants across some of the Peak District’s most iconic routes and landscapes, including Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, the Great Ridge, and Lose Hill, before finishing back in the beautiful village of Hope.

With breath-taking views, rewarding climbs, and the support of fully trained hike leaders throughout the day, this is a challenge not to be missed.

Challenge Details:
📆 Saturday 19th September 2026
🔞 Open to anyone aged 18+
💻 Registration Fee: £30 per person
👛 Fundraising Target: £150 per person
🥾 Distance: 32km (20 miles)
⛰️ Elevation: 1,100m+ climbing
💪 Difficulty Level: Tough
👕 FREE Birmingham Mind T-shirt included
🧭 Fully trained hike leaders supporting you throughout

Every step you take will help support Birmingham Mind’s work across the community and help us continue providing vital mental health services and support.

🌐 Find out more: https://bit.ly/4uDBIhi

👉 Book your place today: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/birmingham-minds-edale-skyline-challenge-19092026-tickets-1979218335320

Spaces are limited

29/08/2026

💷 Money and Mental Health: Understanding the Connection 💙

Financial pressures can affect every aspect of our lives, including our mental health and wellbeing. With the rising cost of living continuing to impact many people, it's more important than ever to understand how money worries can affect us and what we can do to protect our wellbeing.

Join Birmingham Mind for this one-hour online session to explore the relationship between finances and mental health and gain practical strategies to help build resilience.

During the session, we'll cover:
💙 The link between money worries and mental health
💙 How financial stress can affect our wellbeing
💙 Practical strategies to build resilience and practise self-care
💙 Tips for managing stress and maintaining positive mental wellbeing

Whether you're looking to better support yourself or others, this session will provide practical tools and helpful insights in a supportive learning environment.

📅 Monday 16 November 2026
⏰ 7:00pm–8:00pm
💻 Online via Zoom

Course fees:
💷 Level 1 – Full-time employment (35+ hours): £75
💷 Level 2 – Part-time employment (34 hours or fewer): £30
💷 Level 3 – Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET): £15

🎟️ Book your place: https://bit.ly/4fuBMd0

Invest in your wellbeing and gain practical tools to help navigate financial pressures with greater confidence. 💙

28/08/2026

🎄THE BIRMINGHAM MENTAL ELF FESTIVE FUN RUN IS BACK🎄

We know it’s still summer… but it’s never too early to start talking about Christmas and what better way to kick off the festive countdown than by launching our Mental Elf Festive Fun Run 2026! 🎉

After last year’s incredible sell-out success, we’re delighted to bring this festive favourite back for 2026, bigger, better and even more festive! ✨

📍 Cannon Hill Park
📅 Sunday 29 November 2026
🏃‍♀️ 5K – Walk, jog or run
🎄 1.5K option – perfect for all ages and abilities
💚 Elf costumes encouraged

Whether you’re looking to jog a 5K, enjoy a festive stroll with the family, or simply get into the Christmas spirit, there’s something for everyone!

And, most importantly, your participation will help raise vital funds to support the services delivered by Birmingham Mind.

A massive thank you to our Headline Sponsor, PM Group, for supporting the event for a second year running. We couldn’t do it without you! 👏

🎟️ Tickets are ON SALE NOW!
Eager Elf discounted prices are available until Friday 2nd October

👉 https://birminghammind.org/get-involved/fundraise/mental-elf-festive-fun-run-2026/

Get your festive ELFfits ready… Mental Elf Festive Fun Run 2026 is coming! 🎅🎄🏃‍♀️

27/08/2026

We're delighted to be working with Witton Lodge Community Association to deliver FREE Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training through the Fairer Futures Fund.

This fully funded course is available to people working or volunteering in community groups and organisations across the Birmingham North locality, including Erdington and Sutton Coldfield.

📅 Monday 28 & Tuesday 29 September
🕘 9:00am – 4:30pm (both days)
📍 Perry Common Community Hall, 87 Witton Lodge Road, Birmingham, B23 5JD

By becoming an MHFAider®, you'll gain:

💙 A deeper understanding of mental health and wellbeing.

💙 The skills to recognise the signs of someone experiencing a mental health challenge.

💙 The confidence to support someone and guide them towards appropriate help.

💙 Three years' access to the MHFAider Support App, with 24/7 digital support and resources.

Places are limited, so don't miss out!
👉 Book your free place today: https://bit.ly/3SxEfvS










The Gap - Midlands
The Sanctuary Castle Vale
The Cancer Support Centre
YMCA Sutton Coldfield
Acacia Family Support
Harvest Fields Centre
Jericho Foundation
Green Square Accord
New Heights Warren Farm Community Project Kingstanding
Trinity Respite Services
Our Place Support
FOLIOSuttonColdfield
Sutton Coldfield NNS
Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme - ENNS
St.Barnabas Church Centre Erdington
Active Arts Castle Vale
Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust

27/08/2026

🌟 It's back🌟

Join us for Birmingham Mind's Quiz Night on Monday 21st September at The Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre, Birmingham!

Gather your friends, family or colleagues and put your knowledge to the test in teams of up to five people. For just £10 per person, you'll enjoy:

❓ A fun-filled evening of trivia
🏆 Friendly competition
💙 The chance to support Birmingham Mind and win some amazing raffle prizes

Whether you're aiming for the top of the leader board or simply looking for a great evening out, it's the perfect opportunity to have fun, meet new people and make a real difference.

Every penny raised will help us continue supporting people across Birmingham, Solihull and the wider community with their mental health.

A huge thank you to Henrik Court Events for their generous support in helping make this event possible.

🎟️ Book your tickets today: https://bit.ly/4gZqJuO

We can't wait to see you there!

Join us for an evening of fun, laughter, and a little friendly competition all in aid of Birmingham Mind!

27/08/2026

Having a difficult time? 💙

Our Talking Space service is open daily as a safe space to talk if you need face-to-face mental health support.

Appointments available or drop in to one of our four locations.

📆 Open daily, 5pm – 11pm

For more information – visit https://bit.ly/3ZGgbYq

If you can’t visit us in person, you can always contact us on our Helpline - 0121 262 3555