James is NEU Wellbeing’s Physical Wellbeing Specialist — a role that perfectly blends his passion for fitness with his powerful story of resilience and growth. Once a professional footballer who played in the Premier League for West Bromwich Albion, as well as representing Birmingham, Blackpool, and several other Football League clubs, James experienced both the incredible highs of representing his country at youth level and the deep lows that came with poor mental health and a difficult period in his life that led to prison. Now, having rebuilt himself from the inside out, James is channelling his lived experience into empowering others. Through NEU Wellbeing, he’s helping communities reconnect with the power of movement — using physical wellbeing as a foundation for positive mental, emotional, and social change.
About James
Primary Skills
My Work Progress
Hobbies
About James
Primary Skills
- Physical Wellbeing
- Pre and Post Release Mental Health
- Resilience Training
- Politics, Philosophy and Economics BSC
- Kick Ups
My Work Progress
James’s journey toward better wellbeing has been one of reflection, discipline, and growth. After his football career and the challenges that followed, he made the decision to take control of his physical and mental health—reconnecting with the discipline and routine that once fuelled his success on the pitch. Now, as part of NEU Wellbeing, James is passionate about helping others strengthen both body and mind through physical wellbeing — showing that change is always possible.
Hobbies
- ✈️ Travel
- 💪🏽 Gym
- ⚽ Football
- ☕ Making coffee and then not cleaning up
