Champion support and training

Build relationships, offer practical support and signposting where needed, and take action

Be Well Champions are the lifeblood of the programme. They are parents, teachers, volunteers, youth workers, faith leaders and neighbours — people who are trusted in their communities. Champions help others feel listened to, connect them with the right support, and build confidence in talking about mental health.

Becoming a Champion doesn’t mean becoming a professional counsellor. It means learning the skills to listen, respond safely, and take action on the issues your community cares about.

Who Be Well Champions are

Champions are people who:

  • care deeply about their community

  • are trusted and approachable

  • want to learn new skills to support others

  • are motivated to make change happen locally

Over 370 Champions have already been trained across south London, each one playing a vital role in supporting neighbours, friends and families.

Training you’ll receive

Every Champion takes part in a comprehensive training programme, developed with NHS mental health experts and community organisers.
Training covers:

  • Mental health awareness – understanding the basics of mental health and wellbeing

  • Active listening and empathy – being present and creating a safe space

  • Safeguarding and boundaries – knowing your role, and when to refer to professionals

  • Signposting – guiding people to the right local and national services

  • Community organising – building power, running campaigns and taking collective action

Training is interactive and practical. Champions practise real scenarios and learn to recognise early signs of distress, so they can step in with kindness and confidence.

Ongoing learning and support

The training doesn’t stop once you finish your first course. Champions can access:

  • Top-up modules on topics like cultural competency, housing support, youth wellbeing, or working with LGBT+ communities

  • Borough networks where Champions meet regularly to share challenges and solutions

  • Communities of practice that connect Champions across south London, with space to learn from each other

  • Mentoring and coaching for Champions who want to take on leadership roles or run local campaigns

This means Champions are never left on their own. They are always connected to a bigger network of people who understand the challenges and are ready to help.

The impact on Champions

Becoming a Be Well Champion helps people grow as much as it helps their community. Champions gain confidence to talk about mental health, knowing how to listen and when to signpost someone to specialist help.

The skills they learn often spill over into daily life — improving how they support family, colleagues and neighbours. Many also say the experience boosts their own wellbeing, giving them new ways to manage stress and stay connected.

Some Champions take the next step into leadership, using their training to run groups, organise campaigns or shape local services. Others build on their existing roles as teachers, parents, or volunteers, making the support they already give more effective.

I didn’t think I could make a difference before. Now I’m confident supporting others and connecting them with the help they need.
— Be Well Champion, Lewisham
The training really helped me understand the importance of language and how talking to people can affect someone’s day — either positively or negatively.
— Be Well Champion, Morden