SME News Q4 2025/ 22 Mental Health Support Organisation of the Year 2025 – West Midlands & Most Empowering Wellbeing Organisation Founder 2025: Sabrina Ellis Based in Wolverhampton and covering the West Midlands, Sabrina Ellis is not only a registered mental health nurse, but also a workplace strategy coach and the mother of a family with additional needs. Sabrina officially established her organisation, NICS Wellbeing C.I.C, on 14th June 2023, only months after the sudden deaths of her mother and sister. Thus, being well aware of the impact a person’s mental health can have on their day-to-day life, Sabrina’s mission is to create a healthier future for local communities in Wolverhampton. We caught up with her for more. Starting out with just Sabrina and a vision for change, NICS Wellbeing’s focus since opening its doors two and a half years ago has been on neurodivergent individuals and those with lived experiences of both mental health challenges and addiction recovery. These groups are offered a service that comprises wellbeing support, coaching, and freeto-access funded projects for children and parents with neurodivergent children alike. Whether it is providing outdoor wellbeing walks (with or without dogs), confidential listening spaces for organisations, neurodivergent workplace strategy coaching, co-coaching for children, or child development projects spanning themes including ‘Why Money Matters’, NICS Wellbeing’s provision of accessible, person-centred activities that promote wellbeing and connection has seen it grow considerably since its work began. Today comprising 12 volunteers – including four company directors, each with valuable experience and a wealth of expertise – NICS Wellbeing’s team have been developed over the past couple of years through robust training spanning financial workshops, CIC-business development, and mental health first aid and neurodiversity training. Their ability to provide high-quality, inclusive support is complemented by a shared sense of internal support and an unwavering community focus. This has taken the organisation from a small, two-person office in the centre of Wolverhampton to a larger, more accessible community hub within the Wolverhampton Arts Centre, on the back of the feedback from their community highlighting a need for accessible group spaces. Commenting on this, Sabrina told us: “This rapid growth reflects our commitment to making wellbeing support inclusive, accessible, and community-led, ensuring we continue to evolve and meet the needs of those we serve.” The positive impact on the community that has been experienced in the wake of NICS Wellbeing offering these services is the thing that Sabrina and the team here are the most proud of. The impact of their work is not only seen on a community-wide level, but also across individuals and businesses. For example, one individual who NICS Wellbeing worked with was enduring hardship as a result of their mental health and was so isolated that they did not leave home for eight years. After building a relationship with Sabrina, this person has not only stopped their suicide attempts but has also engaged with local NHS services and is on prescription medication as they work towards a mental health diagnosis that was missed several years ago now. Sabrina added: “They now see a future. They now want a future.” As for its impact in commercial settings, the organisation has carried out initiatives including providing reflective practice for a local business, a company whose team members have first-hand experiences with trauma and addiction recovery alike. Sabrina and her team delivered their expert advice to some of these individuals, with this feedback being used at the company’s next board meetings to implement positive changes across its entire operation. It subsequently doubled its request for such support services. The above examples encapsulate how Sabrina and co. empower people to enact change within their own worlds, leading to happier, healthier communities one person at a time. With mental health challenges being not just a feature, but the very foundation of, this organisation, its ability to recognise those who have been overlooked and excluded before supporting their unique needs is something that really sets it apart. “By offering accessible community events, listening spaces, mental health support and neurodiversity-informed coaching, we don’t ‘fix’ people, we work with them. Our inclusive approach builds confidence, connection, and purpose. Our impact has been visible in reduced isolation, improved well-being, and restored hope.” In a system the often feels clinical and impersonal, NICS Wellbeing C.I.C is a powerful example of how lived experience is far from a limitation – it is a real strength. More about the award-winning services offered to the communities in around Wolverhampton by Sabrina Ellis and her dedicated team can be found at the website link below. Contact: Sabrina Ellis Company: NICS Wellbeing C.I.C Web Address: https://nicswellbeing.org/ NICS Wellbeing C.I.C
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