Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing
Welcome
A warm welcome to your Counselling programme of studies.
We are very much looking forward to working with you and we hope that you feel very much supported and at home here at Birmingham Newman University and on your new programme of study.
Please feel comfortable to approach any member of the teaching team for support and guidance and particularly as you settle in to university life.
Remember – every question is a valid one so please ask.
Semester 1
Week beginning 22 September 2025
- Monday
- 9am to 10am
- 11am to 1pm
- 2pm to 5pm
- Tuesday
- 10am to 1pm
Full details of your individual academic timetable, including Semester 2 timetable which may differ, will be available via your university email calendar after you have completed online enrolment and set up your student login.
We would like you to keep up to date with societal issues in current affairs by reading high-quality e-newspapers such as The Guardian or The Independent, and formulating your views on news stories about counselling, mental health, education, society, or cultural matters (topics such as: poverty, discrimination, housing and education etc.).
Think about (and keep a journal if you want to) your reactions to such stories; how did the stories make you feel and why? And try to consider why you might have had the reaction you did. What has influenced your view of those topics in the media?
- Thursday 18 September 2025
- 12:30pm to 4pm
- Room HI102
Please bring your photo ID with you to complete the ID verification check for Student Finance confirmation.
Members of our Team include:
- Dr Faisal Mahmood – Head of Subject
- Dr Steve Roberts – Senior Lecturer
- Lind Luckhurst – Senior Lecturer
- Emily Evans – Senior Lecturer
- Dr James Sedgewick – Senior Lecturer
- Rebekah Woodhouse – Senior Lecturer
- Cassie Rowland – Lecturer
- Kathryn Broome – Lecturer
- Sam Gallo – Senior Lecturer
- Karen Lee – Senior Lecturer
Not only do the team teach counselling and psychotherapy at both Undergraduate level and Postgraduate level they also work with clients in Practice and this informs our teaching, ensuring that we are very much up to date and current with our case studies and practice.
- Humanistic Counselling (COU422) – Mondays: 9am to 10am and 11am to 1pm
- Human Development (COU424) – Tuesdays: 10am to 1pm
- Counselling professions and academic practice (COU421) – Fridays: 2pm to 5pm
Teaching will include a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials.
Module COU422 will have a counselling skills practice element which involves small groups of students practicing counselling and listening skills.
HeadStart – Monday 1 to Friday 5 September 2025
Headstart is a programme aimed at introducing our new students to University life. We understand that our students come from all walks of life and have personal and individual aspirations for taking this important step in their journey.
This programme is an opportunity to:
- Talk to staff before starting university
- Meet other students
- Understand and navigate the campus
- Find out about the support available
- Start getting comfortable with university life
Access services and support throughout your degree
At Birmingham Newman, you’re never alone.
We’re here to support you at every stage, whether it’s academic guidance, wellbeing support, or career advice.
Here are some of the ways we can help:
- Academic support – Help with assignments and study skills
- WellBeing services – Mental health support, counselling, and wellbeing resources
- Career services – CV advice, placements, and future career planning
- Disability support – Tailored support and adjustments for your needs
- E-Learning Support – Help with E-Learning systems and submitting online assignments
- Finance advice – Guidance on tuition fees, funding, and budgeting
- International support – Help with visas and cultural adjustments
If you’re unsure where to start or what support you need, just ask – we’re happy to help.
Key information
Induction
- Thursday 18 September 2025
Teaching starts
- Week beginning: 22 September 2025
Subject Leader
- Dr Bill Naylor MNCPS (Acc.), SFHEA
Contact details
- e: b.naylor@staff.newman.ac.uk
- t: 0121 3874467
- a: Oxford Building Room: OX201
