Compass is leading the way in supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children, young people, and families in selected educational settings across Birmingham.
Birmingham Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) offers free, and confidential support to Children, Young People and Families with mild to moderate emotional health and wellbeing needs.
Whether it’s feeling sad, scared, worried, or experiencing challenges like anger or frustration, Compass is here to connect you with the right help.
Compass Birmingham MHST works across selected schools in the North and East of Birmingham, working directly with primary and secondary schools to ensure every child and young person has access to the support they need.
How Can We Help You
Our team of compassionate and friendly Practitioners, are here to support you in building coping skills and strategies for a range of issues, including:
- Low mood and motivation
- Anxiety and irrational fears
- Challenging behaviours like angry outbursts or frustration
- Difficulties in family and peer relationships
- Adjusting to change and transitions.
- Managing emotions effectively
Our low-intensity, one-to-one or group support sessions (typically 6-8 sessions tailored to your needs) are available for children and young people aged 5-19 who attend our partner schools.
The service is made up of Education Mental Health Practitioners, Supervising Practitioners, Trainees, and Assistant Practitioners, each bringing expertise from diverse health and education backgrounds. Additionally, we have our newly assembled Specialist Team consisting of professionals, including a Family Practitioner and Healthy Peer Relationships Practitioner and an Engagement & Equalities Practitioner to provide tailored support where needed.
Click Here to find out how we can help support your child’s wellbeing.
Schools we work with
Birmingham MHST work with a number of schools in the North and East of Birmingham to provide emotional health and wellbeing support for children, young people and families.
Click Here to see the schools we support.
Click Here to view the localities we work in.
How you can access the service
Getting support from Compass is easy!
You can reach out to our friendly team by phone at 0121227 8254 or via email at birminghammhst@compass-uk.org. We’ll start by asking you a few questions to understand your needs better, and then one of our team members will follow up with you to ensure we’re the right fit to help.
We also welcome Requests for Support for children, young people and families using this form, click here.
Contact Us
At Compass Birmingham MHST, we understand that timely support is crucial. Our office hours are Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm. You can reach us at 0121 227 8254 during these times.
Please note that we’re unavailable on weekends and bank holidays.
People of all ages in England will be able to access local crisis services directly by calling 111 and selecting the mental health option. Calls will be answered by a trained mental health professional who will be able to quickly assess the situation and determine whether an urgent referral is required.
In Birmingham and Solihull, those already engaging with mental health services are asked to continue to contact their existing service. Contact telephone numbers will be in care plans and treatment plan letters.
Those seeking advice and information for people experiencing mental health difficulties and not a mental health crisis, are encouraged to call the Birmingham Mind Mental Health Helpline (0121 262 3555; Freephone 0800 915 9292). The Helpline Service is accessible 9am -11pm.
Your mental health matters to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Monthly Newsletter!
If you’re interested in a summary of what we’ve been up to, click on the links below to view our monthly newsletter:
Meet the team
Hi I’m Lucy! I have a degree in Psychology and Criminology and my background is working within substance misuse in both community and prison settings with adults and young people.
Outside of work I like to read, walk my dog and spend time with family & friends.
Hello, I’m Fran! I’m a general nurse by background and have experience of working with adults and with children and young people. I am a CBT practitioner and have had a variety of jobs in mental health services including working in CAMHS, trauma informed work for RSVP Birmingham and bereavement counselling.
I am excited to be part of the clinical team back in my hometown of Birmingham. I have worked with children, young people and their families for over 30 years within Birmingham local authority, Staffordshire CAMHS and the University of Derby. I am an accredited CBT therapist.
Hi! I have over 20 years of experience working with children and families. I am passionate about supporting children, young people and their families with their challenges around mental health ensuring their voice is heard in a trauma informed way.
When I am not at work, I can be found renovating my new house or walking my dog Mylo with my two daughters. I love to be sociable and enjoy going out for lovely meals.
Hi, I’m Joe ! My background is in Children’s Social Work and I am also an accredited therapist in Interpersonal Therapy for Adolescents (IPT-A). I am passionate about supporting children, young people and families, as well as supporting local schools in the ways that they can support their students.
I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2015 and worked in London as a mental health OT/DBT Therapist before moving to the Midlands in 2024 to join Compass. I’m passionate about supporting young people with their mental health & believe that working with education providers is key to this - I’m proud to be able to continue this work with Compass. Outside of work I love to read books & audiobooks.
I always wear tinted glasses as I have a visual impairment.
Hi there! I have a double degree with First Class Honours in Communications. I've worked in the marketing industry for over 5 years and I'm extremely passionate about it and everything social media. I also enjoy creating short videos and reviewing everything from food to beauty products in my spare time.
I have a BA (Hons) in Working With Children, Young People and Families. I have experience in a specialist school for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health and a Pupil Referral Unit for pupils who could not access mainstream education due to their needs.
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, listening to music, going out to eat and baking.
I hope to combine my background as a Primary School Teacher and as a Therapeutic Counsellor to support and empower families to thrive and succeed, improving the outcomes for children/young people.
Outside of work, I like to spend time with my daughter exploring the world and I love learning so I’m always on the lookout to gain a new skill.
I have experience in Secondary Education working with students with SEND and in an alternative provision for students who were struggling in the mainstream setting.
The experience from working with a variety of children, young people and their families with a diverse range of needs will assist me to support people with their mental health and wellbeing.
Hello! I’m Aneesa, I am an Educational Mental Health Practitioner by background and have experience working with individuals who have been in a mental health crisis. I have also worked in schools and volunteered for local mental health charities.
I am excited about working with Children and young people and schools within the area. I am looking forward to making a difference, improving emotional wellbeing of young people and families one step at a time!
Hey I'm Chelsie! My background is social work with adults with physical and learning disabilities and autism, older adults and children mental health. My passion is working in children and family mental health and delivering cognitive behaviour therapy with CYPF to overcome mental health difficulties.
I have three cats at home; Mario, Harley and Davidson and I like to spend time with friends and family doing fun activities!
Hi my name is Monique!
I’m very passionate about promoting positive mental health, creating safe and inclusive spaces and empowering young people to be the best version of themselves. I’ve worked as a Specialist Psychological Practitioner and a Personal Mental Health Champion supporting people with a range of mental health difficulties.
My interests include, travelling, dancing, meditation, art, watching movies and going to concerts/events.
Hi, my name is Ashleigh. I used to work as a residential care worker and as a mental health practitioner. I’m passionate about supporting children and young people with their mental health supporting to give them the best outcome in life.
I have a dog named Frank and a cat named Pumpkin. I enjoy spending time with friends and family and visiting new places.
Hi my name is Hollie, and since graduating with a degree in Psychology, I have devoted my time to helping those with mental health difficulties in various roles.
I am particularly passionate about SEN and assuring everyone having equal access to services.
I love to spend my spare time with family and friends, exploring and trying new places to eat.
Hi there! I am Keren and I am enthusiastic about mental-health and I am looking forward to provide the right support for children and young people experiencing mental difficulties. Moreover, I enjoy advocating for mental-health within my community in promoting and preventing stigma around the subject. During my spare time I enjoy reading and taking part in creative activities.
Hi, I’m Tas! I used to work as a primary school teacher in the East of Birmingham, I love the creativity of teaching but being a part of the school community. Working at Compass has been another step towards being able to support children & young people with their mental health & well-being. It is a rewarding role and allows me to use my teacher skills whilst learning & gaining new skills!
Hi! I’m a BSc Psychology graduate with a passion for mental health and wellbeing. I currently volunteer for the crisis text line Shout UK. Here, I support children, young people, and adults with their mental health.
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, baking, and practising mindfulness. I’m thoroughly looking forward to developing and practicing evidence-based skills within the team.
Hi! I’m Carys and I am a Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner working at Compass Birmingham. I have worked in education settings for nearly 20 years and have always had a passion for supporting children and young people with their mental health which has led me to this role.
I am a mum of 2 boys who are my world and take up a lot of my time outside of work.
Hi, I’m Meghan. I am excited to be working with young people and families supporting mental health and wellbeing. I enjoy working with young people and supporting them to achieve their goals. It is great to help individuals become more confident and happier in themselves.
I like going for scenic walks, especially in the summer. I also like travelling, seeing new places and spending time with loved ones.
I have always had a passion for mental health; I previously raised money and skydived for a children’s charity. I love travelling and especially enjoy trying different foods in new places. If you see me in the office I’ll probably be bobbing along to the radio & rocking a fresh set of nails.
Hi! I’m Mel, a Trainee EMHP for Compass Birmingham.
I have a degree in Special Needs and Inclusion and Education Studies. I worked as a teacher in a special needs school. Then worked as a Mentor supporting young people with their mental health at a training provider. I then took on the role of Deputy Centre Principal at the same training provider.
I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going away in my Campervan and walking my energetic Springer Spaniel Ottis.
Hi! I'm Priyanka. In my spare time I like to bake and I am also a Manchester united fan and play football. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends and going for walks. As well as reading!
Hi! I have a Psychology degree and have experience working with children and young people with autism, anxiety disorders, challenging behaviour and children in care.
I enjoy spending time with friends and family, working out at the gym, I love capturing memories and I am what I describe as a “fussy foodie”.
I am a coffee lover who enjoys long walks and travelling! I am proud to say I have worked at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital for most of my career and it holds a special place in my heart. I have two young children who keep me very busy but I wouldn’t have it any other way 😊
I really enjoy working with children and young people, particularly children with SENs. In my spare time I love running, travelling and spending time with my friends.
I have a keen interest in helping people and I am excited to work with Compass to help support children and young people to enjoy their life a little bit more. Outside of work I spend most of my time playing wheelchair basketball or in the gym.
Hi! Prior to working at Compass I worked as a primary school teacher for nearly 20 years. I’ve always had a passion for supporting children and young people with their wellbeing which fits with my passion for forest school. Providing opportunities to connect and play in the natural world is really important to me.
Hey! I have a background of working in the NHS in various operational/ managerial roles as well as working with vulnerable adults and CYP and families fleeing DV. Outside of work I have a busy household with three young sons. I enjoy eating, reading and a spot of retail therapy. I also have a guilty pleasure of reality TV!
Hello! I am a Psychology graduate with a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Theory, with a particular interest in youth mental health. I am a big believer in improving health access for all demographics which is why I love Compass’ vision to deliver mental health care in accessible education settings!
Hi! I recently joined compass MHST, and have 10+ years experience working within numerous mental health settings.
I’ am looking forward to supporting children and young people within the local community and am hoping to make a difference. Outside of work I enjoy making memories with my son, going for walks and spending time with my family and friends.