

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
Lucy Marshall
Team Leader
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.
Frances Dodd
Team Leader
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.
Rachel Haynes
Clinical Operations Manager
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.
Marissa Byng
Specialist Team Lead
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.
Ozias Smith
School Practitioner
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.
Fizza Zaidi
Digital Marketing and Communications Specialist
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.
Chante Spooner
Healthy Peer Relationships Practitioner
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.
Shareen Akhtar
Families Practitioner
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.
Yve Spray
Whole School Approach Practitioner
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.
Aneesa Kulsoom
Supervising Practitioner
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!
Monique Joseph
Education and Mental Health Practitioner
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.
Ashleigh Baker
Educational Mental Health Practitioner
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.
Hollie Farrell
Education Mental Health Practitioner
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.
Keren Appiah
Education Mental Health Practitioner
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.
Tasminder Virdee
Education Mental Health Practitioner
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!
Carys Williams
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
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.
Meghan Stevens
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
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.
Harshiran Hayer
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
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.
Melissa McCausland
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
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.
Priyanka Valand
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
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!
Sashania Douglas
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
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”.
Afsana Ahmed
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
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 😊
Penny McCarter
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
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.
Kelsi Lamb
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
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.
Nicole Folbigg
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
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.
Jessica Kennedy
Team Leader
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!
Peter Marfleet
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
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!
Rayne Isaac
Supervising Practitioner
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.
Beth Evans
Assistant EMHP
Hi!
I love to travel and my favourite place to visit is Dubai.
I have always been a massive Disney fan, my head is full of Disney knowledge and facts!
My hobbies include going on long walks with my dog, fitness and art!
Beth Walker
Assistant EMHP
Hi! I have lots of experience working with children and young people both in and out of school settings, and it’s something that I hugely enjoy. I really believe that everyone can benefit from having someone to talk to, and mental health support is so important for us all. Outside of work, I love to get outdoors and into nature.
Dave Guard
Team Leader
Hello! I’m passionate about supporting young people to understand their emotions and equipping them to manage these emotions effectively. I also love being with my family, motorbikes and Tottenham Hotspur!
Debra Mills
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
Hi! My previous role was as a Primary School Teacher and I have moved into Mental Health to be able to focus on supporting children’s wellbeing beyond education. When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, long walks with my dog and visits to the theatre.
Emilie Ratcliff
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
Hi! I have always had a passion and drive to work with children and young people! I am excited to be working with Compass and am committed to making a positive difference by creating a safe supportive environment for every individual I work with to help them tackle some of their most challenging years.
Geri Ashford
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
Hi! I have a degree in Counselling and my background is working with young people who have experienced domestic violence. I'm passionate about supporting people with their mental health and wellbeing. Outside of work I like to play and coach netball, walk my dog, play board games and spend time with my family and friends.
Kiran Bahra
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
Hi! I hold a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and an MSc in Psychological Well-being in Clinical Practice. I am a driven individual dedicated to making a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of children and young people. Outside of my professional life, I’m a proud new dog mum, and I enjoy spending my free time on long walks and discovering new places.
Laura Taplin
Team Leader
Hello! I have a degree in Psychology and Criminology and my background is supporting vulnerable adults with substance misuse issues. I am extremely passionate about empowering people to be the best version of themselves.
In my free time, I love travelling and exploring parts of the UK and other countries.
Natalie Rafter
Team Leader
Hi! I have a degree in Psychology with Counselling Skills, and an MA in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. I was previously working within the substance misuse field, supporting adults and their families to work towards recovery, and leading on the group work programme across Birmingham.
Navpreet Phull
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
Hi!! I have a degree in Psychology, and over the years I’ve positively supported children and young people with their mental health by creating a safe space for them to explore their feelings and be more open to making positive changes. It’s important to care for ourselves, by doing things that will support our happy feelings and help us become the best version of ourselves.
Prerna Dhinju
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
Hi! I have a degree in Social Welfare Law, Policy, and Advice Practice and a background as a pastoral mentor, supporting children and young people with their mental health. I’m inspired by the resilience of those I work with and passionate about making a positive difference. Outside of work, I enjoy fitness, weightlifting and spending time with loved ones.
Ruth Taylor
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
Hi! I am really passionate about the need to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people and helping them to live the best life possible.
I like spending time with family, friends and our lovely Labrador Diesel and enjoy reading, Yoga and listening to music.
Sian Kennedy
: Outreach Senior Wellbeing Practitioner
Hello! I have been working with children and young people for around 11 years now in lots of different settings. I am passionate around supporting children to be empowered and have their voice heard. I also love the outdoors, you’ll find me on weekends walking, and I love to go camping too! I also enjoy a cuppa and watching Disney films.