From today (Tuesday 1 July 2025), Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHFT) has become the new home for community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Birmingham – marking a major milestone for mental health care in the city.

Over 530 passionate and skilled staff from Forward Thinking Birmingham (FTB) have today transferred from Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust (BWC) to join ‘Team BSMHFT’, bringing with them their deep commitment to children, young people and families.

This move lays the foundation for a truly integrated all-age mental health model, strengthening continuity of care and ensuring that young people receive the right community support, at the right time, from childhood through to adulthood – all within one specialist mental health Trust.

To support this transition, around 10,000 patients and families have been contacted directly via letter and text message, providing clear information about the change and what it means for them.

While the leadership and organisational home is changing, patients and families will see no disruption to care. FTB will continue to operate as it has done previously, with the same trusted teams, in the same locations, providing the same high-quality support.

Roísìn Fallon-Williams, Chief Executive of BSMHFT, said:

“This is a truly exciting and transformational moment for mental health care in our city. By bringing children and young people’s community mental health services into BSMHFT, we’re creating a joined-up, all-age system that will improve lives – not just today, but for years to come.

“Our focus is, and always will be, on delivering safe, compassionate and inclusive care. I want to warmly welcome our new colleagues from FTB who bring so much knowledge, skill and heart into our Trust, and to thank everyone at BWC and BSMHFT who has worked tirelessly to make this happen.”

Matthew Boazman, Chief Executive of BWC, added:

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to our Forward Thinking Birmingham colleagues for their incredible commitment, compassion and drive over the past nine years.

“They have shaped and delivered vital services for thousands of children, young people and families, and I’m proud of everything they’ve achieved. I know they will continue to thrive and make a difference as part of BSMHFT.”

Our SOLAR service, which cares for children and young people’s mental health service in Solihull remains as it was, with staff working closely with our new FTB colleagues. 

Letter to Patient and Families – Transfer of Community Mental Health Services

Visit Forward Thinking Birmingham’s website