We're now taking applications for the 2027 TCS @londonmarathon 🏃
Whether you're a seasoned runner or new to marathons, you can run the TCS London Marathon on behalf of Changing Lives to support the work that we do helping people overcome the most challenging times in their lives.
Complete the form now to submit your interest in running by registering via our linktree!
#LondonMarathon #LondonMarathon2027
As part of #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek it’s been a fantastic few days at our Changing Lives Supported Accommodation Service in Dudley 💙
On Tuesday, our Welfare and Wellbeing visited on their Mental Health Roadshow, followed on Wednesday by a wonderful local women’s volunteer group who treated residents to bacon sandwiches, cakes, and a friendly chat over a cuppa. Their generosity didn't stop there - they also donated a £45 gift card towards our daily ‘tea & toast’ mornings ☕🍞
On Thursday, we were supported by our brilliant Changing Lives CRS team in the West Midlands who spent time with residents, helped clear cupboards, and got stuck into some gardening 🌱 A huge thank you for their time and energy – and plenty of steps clocked up in the process!
We also welcomed @dentaidthedentalcharity for their first visit - a mobile dental service supporting people experiencing homelessness. Eight residents received treatment, advice, and follow-up appointments, with care delivered in a supportive and respectful way.
A huge thank you to everyone involved for making such a positive impact this week 🙌
Our ASE caseworkers, Lisa and Lillian, recently attended a fantastic event hosted by @shags_liverpool at @livuni 👏💜
We had the opportunity to set up a stall, speak with students about the vital work Changing Lives does to support sex workers and people experiencing Adult Sexual Exploitation (ASE), and connect with others passionate about making a difference.
The event also featured inspiring guest speakers sharing research on sex work, helping to raise awareness and deepen understanding.
Thanks to their brilliant bake sale, SHAGS raised over £180 for our project – an incredible contribution that will help us continue supporting those who need it most 🍰
We’d also like to congratulate SHAGS on winning the Biggest Impact on the City of Liverpool Award from their University Guild of Students, a well-deserved recognition!
After meeting with our colleagues in Northampton on Wednesday, our Welfare and Wellbeing team headed to London yesterday as part of our Mental Health Awareness Week Roadshow 🚗
The team even managed to schedule a bit of sightseeing in London!💂🎡🚇
It's the final stop of the roadshow today and the team are off to visit our Doncaster services 💜
The Changing Lives Men’s Wellbeing Group in Doncaster has partnered with @yorkshirewildlifetrust_ to explore everything Potteric Carr has to offer 🌿
The sessions have focused on finding calm in local nature reserves, from bird spotting and listening to birdsong, to spending quality time together and celebrating walking achievements. A great way to reach those 10,000 steps 👣
Walking and access to green spaces are well known for their positive impact on mental and physical health,and they’ve become a real favourite with our group!
Our staff and peer mentors from our Changing Lives Criminal Justice Team in the West Midlands marked World Earth Day by supporting women to take part in the Carding Mill Valley Waterfall Loop Walk 🌊
For many of the women, the walk involved stepping outside their comfort zones, overcoming physical and emotional challenges, and breaking down personal barriers. With encouragement from staff and peers, every woman who attended completed the walk, celebrating both the achievement and the sense of connection created through shared experience in nature.
One woman who joined the trip had been released from prison just the day before. She had previously struggled to engage with probation services, contributing to a cycle of repeated involvement with the criminal justice system. Despite this, she took part fully in the day and responded positively to the support offered.
Just one day later, she attended Changing Lives to engage with further support and expressed that she felt ready and motivated to attend her probation appointment. This was a significant step forward and highlights the impact that compassionate, relationship‑based and wellbeing‑focused support can have at a crucial moment of transition💡
This outcome demonstrates how meaningful activities, trusted relationships, and a supportive environment can help women feel more able to engage, build confidence, and move toward positive change.
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #MHAW
Just under a year ago, Rachel* came to Changing Lives through the Newcastle Integrated Domestic Abuse Service, carrying the weight of significant childhood trauma, experiences of domestic abuse, and struggles with alcohol use as a way of coping with difficult emotions.
At the time, Rachel often spoke about how hard it was for her to show emotion, and feelings would often come out through frustration and anger instead.
Over the last eight months, through consistent support, care, and trusted relationships with professionals at Changing Lives, probation, and NTAR, Rachel has slowly begun to feel safe. That sense of safety has been life‑changing.
Today, Rachel openly recognises her emotions and feels able to express them in healthy ways. She now reaches out to staff when she is struggling, talks through her feelings, and allows herself to cry openly - something she once found impossible. Most importantly, Rachel is self‑aware of the progress she has made and the strength it has taken to get here.
Rachel’s journey is a powerful reminder that healing can happen when people are met with consistency, compassion, and safety. During #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, her story highlights just how important it is to create supportive environments where people feel safe enough to open up, heal, and thrive. We are incredibly proud of how far she has come 💜
*Name changed for anonymity
Our Welfare Team hit the road again yesterday and headed over to one of our brand new accommodation projects in Dudley, welcoming our Wolverhampton-based colleagues 💜
Our Wellbeing Counsellor Rushali spoke to the team about the support we have an offer for our colleagues. Her therapeutic practice is rooted in three core modalities - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person-Centred Therapy and Attachment Theory 🧠
Today our team back on the move, visiting our services in Northamptonshire!
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #MHAW
Thank you so much to everyone who came along to our fourth annual comedy night at @standnewcastle last night. You helped us raise over £2,000 💜
Another huge thank you to The Stand and our acts @elainerobertson_@johnsdavey@plastiquk@kelly.rickard_123 and @lauren_pattison for giving up their time to support people experiencing homelessness.
1 in every 153 people in England is now homeless. Last night's total means we can be there for more people.
Missed it? You can still be part of it. £5 a month from you moves people experiencing homelessness towards safe and fulfilling lives. Become a regular giver through our linktree 💜
See you next year 🎤
As part of our approach to looking after the wellbeing of our Changing Lives colleagues, we've introduced an initiative where our colleagues can take one hour per month during work hours to undertake any physical activity.
One of our staff members partnered with @nuffield_gosforth , and their PT Angela kindly delivered a wellbeing and exercise session which brought many of our central and frontline staff members together.
The team took part in a fantastic 45-minute class featuring Tabata, kettlebells, and Les Mills Shapes 💪
We recognise that physical and mental wellbeing are deeply interconnected, with each playing a vital role in helping our colleagues feel motivated, resilient, and supported both in and out of the workplace. By encouraging regular physical activity, we aim not only to improve fitness levels but also to boost mood, reduce stress, and create opportunities for social connection across teams 💜
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
Our Support Worker Taz has been getting creative as part of #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek and has created a brilliant video about the work our Changing Lives Young People's Services do in the North East 📹
He's enlisted the help of @sonnysocials and @itskeonhill to help him raise awareness, both who have used their platform to be ambassadors of mental health struggles 💜
A special thank you also goes to our Ofsted Lead Mel and our Team who supported in the making of this video!
