Our approach
Discussing Mental Health is a holistic mental health organisation that provides education, therapy, exercise classes & more in a fun and accessible way!
About
Discussing Mental Health is a beacon of hope in the world of mental well-being. Inspiration and Mission: This journey began with a deep-rooted frustration over the inadequate support available for those struggling with mental health issues.
Waiting times were unacceptably long, and private therapy was often financially out of reach. But instead of simply lamenting these challenges, we decided to be a force for change.
Our mission is to provide a lifeline for those suffering in silence.
A Personal Journey: The connection to mental health wasn’t merely professional. It was deeply personal.
CEO and Founder Stephanie Bashford's path to recovery included the integration of exercise, and she passionately shared her experiences through the “Discussing Mental Health” podcast.
The project took a poignant turn during the pandemic when Stephanie lost her younger brother to medication prescribed for his mental health conditions. This heartbreaking event fueled her commitment to helping others who faced similar struggles. Stephanie was determined to make a difference.
A Unique Approach: “Discussing Mental Health” is not just another mental health initiative. It’s a fresh, unique, and innovative combination of talking therapy and exercise. This approach offers a holistic way to address mental well-being, recognizing the undeniable link between physical activity and mental health.
Collaboration and Research: The project collaborates with Birmingham’s leisure facilities and partners with a group of master’s students from Aston University to conduct a comprehensive study. This research will help pave the way for the project’s expansion across all nine leisure centres.
Community Impact: The ultimate vision is to make mental health support accessible to as many citizens as possible. Discussing Mental Health aims to prove their approach's efficacy through lived experiences and real case studies, collected from participants.
Our services
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Group Therapy
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Exercise Classes
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Outdoor Activities
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Mental Health Education
In-house counselling service located in a hidden gem at the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham.
Meet our team
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Stephanie Bashford
Chief Executive Officer and Founder
After my mother passed away when I was a teenager, I struggled with my mental health due to the sudden trauma. Despite seeking help from local GPs and receiving only anti-depressant prescriptions which I feel strongly against, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I began researching holistic methods that promote mental well-being and embarked on sharing my own healing journey through mental health.
During the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic, mental health issues were highlighted more than ever before. I faced another devastating loss when my younger brother tragically passed away due to a combination of prescribed CNS depressant drugs meant to alleviate his ongoing anxiety and depression. Additionally, I had the courage to leave a long-term abusive relationship, which motivated me to advocate for abuse survivors and create positive change within the community. This led to the creation of "Discussing Mental Health," a podcast through which I openly talk about my own experiences and the strategies that have helped me heal and navigate each day.
"Discussing Mental Health" has now evolved to offer a unique holistic mental health program at leisure centers, which has never been implemented before. This program includes one-hour group therapy sessions and one-hour group exercise classes led by certified mental health and fitness professionals. The aim is to alleviate the burden on the NHS and other healthcare providers by providing an alternative approach to mental health care.
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Joseph Dowdy
Financial Officer
I joined DMH to support Stephanie. After hearing her story and seeing the passion and tenacity behind the idea it felt like the right thing to do, to help where I could in raising money, supporting Stephanie, helping to guide the organisation to reach more people and making sure we always stay committed to the community.
The shared vision is nationwide coverage to bring people together, raise awareness, and give easy readily available access to support any and every person who needs it. Having a location deep within communities increases community spirit and will give people a support structure, people to connect with when they themselves feel disconnected from the people closest to them.
I think the work that we will do will be felt and whether recognised by a larger group or not we will forge on. With the effort and enthusiasm we have and from those who will join us, DMH will always be there for people.
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Ravinder Ubhi
Chief Commercial Officer
I’m delighted to be joining Discussing Mental Health as a chief commercial officer, with what started as a collaboration between two individuals and their respective businesses our joint desire to create a community based on empathy, honesty and compassion has seen us merge to bring our individual stories together and grow as one.
Mental health is a personal journey yet it’s made easier when you address the root of the challenges that you face. My own learned experience on dealing with miscarriages, bereavements, juggling family responsibilities and corporate duties eventually falling into clinical burnout was the wake up call I took notice off. I actively invested time and money into self development and this awakening process has been key to me living a happier and balanced lifestyle.
Keeping my spiritual mind focused whilst living in the materialistic world had previously been a challenge of questioning myself on almost everything and looking for the perfect solution before acting, which leads to in-action.
With DMH I will be able to share experiences I have faced, and how to get out the rut without the need for sleeping pills or antidepressants.
Get in touch.
If you have an interest in our work, wish to explore collaboration opportunities, are considering employment with us, or have any other inquiries, we encourage you to reach out to our inquiries team. They will be more than happy to assist you further.