Meet James Hamell — The Coach Behind FORGE

A resilience coach, author, and survivor who rebuilt his life — and now helps others rebuild theirs.

James Hamell – Resilience Coach and Founder of FORGE Coaching.

The Journey

James experienced a severe mental health crisis that led to hospitalisation and a complete loss of identity. Everything he thought he knew about himself was stripped away.

Recovery didn't happen overnight. It was built slowly, deliberately, through small disciplined actions: walking every day, building routine, training, cooking, creating structure where there was none.

Piece by piece, James rebuilt his life. He returned to work, regained confidence, and eventually stepped into leadership roles — not despite his breakdown, but because of what he learned through it.

That lived experience shaped the FORGE Method: Foundation, Ownership, Resilience, Growth, Execution. A clear, practical system rooted in discipline, hope, and the reality of rebuilding from the ground up.

"Recovery isn't about becoming who you were. It's about becoming who you're meant to be."

Why FORGE Was Created

Built for people who feel lost, stuck, or disconnected from themselves

FORGE was created because James saw that people need structure, not slogans. They need clear tools, not vague promises.

The system is built for real life: simple, repeatable, grounded in behavioural psychology and lived experience. It's designed to help men and women rebuild confidence, discipline, stability, and direction.

The approach is honest: stability first, then growth. You don't build a house from the roof down. You start with the foundation.

FORGE =

Structure.

Strength.

Identity.

Purpose.

FORGE helps you rebuild from the ground up — with clarity, compassion, and a proven system.

Credentials & Experience

Grounded in lived experience and professional expertise

Resilience Coach

1:1 coaching and group facilitation

Published Author

Hope Through Discipline & The Resilience Field Manual

Workshop Facilitator

For clinicians, service users, and public groups

NHS Experience

Working within mental health settings

Leadership Background

Construction management and team leadership

Peer Support Experience

Group-based recovery and lived experience work

Lived Experience Practitioner

Trauma-informed understanding from personal recovery journey

The Coaching Philosophy

A clear, compassionate approach rooted in discipline and lived experience

"You don't need to be ready. You just need to begin."

Structure Before Motivation

Motivation fades. Structure stays. Build systems that work even when you don't feel like it.

Discipline as Self-Respect

Discipline isn't punishment — it's proof you care about your future self.

Recovery is Built from Small Actions

Grand plans often fail. Daily habits rarely do. Start small. Stay consistent.

Safety, Stability, Clarity Come First

You can't grow from chaos. We build the foundation before we reach for the stars.

No Judgement — Just Honesty

This work requires honesty, ownership, and compassion. Not perfection.

Consistency Over Perfection

You don't need to be perfect. You just need to keep showing up.

Lived Experience Meets Evidence

This approach blends lived experience, psychology, spirituality, and practical action into a coherent system.

Who James Works With

FORGE supports a wide range of people rebuilding their lives

After Burnout or Breakdown

Men and women rebuilding after identity loss or mental health crisis

Stuck in Patterns

People trapped in cycles of inaction or overthinking

Needing Structure & Clarity

Individuals seeking accountability, direction, and practical tools

Mental Health Recovery

Service users rebuilding confidence and stability

Clinicians & Professionals

Mental health professionals learning resilience frameworks

Seeking Purpose

People wanting discipline, confidence, and meaningful direction

Beyond the Coaching

The human side of James

Outside of coaching, James is passionate about Muay Thai, strength training, and cooking. These aren't just hobbies — they're extensions of the same principles he teaches: structure, discipline, and showing up consistently.

He's driven by a love of learning and growth, constantly refining his craft and deepening his understanding of resilience, psychology, and behaviour change.

His mission is simple: to give others what he wished he had earlier — a clear path, honest guidance, and someone who understands the struggle.

Faith, meaning, and service play a central role in his journey. James views his work as both a calling and a responsibility — to help others rebuild with the same compassion and structure that helped him.

Training

Muay Thai & strength work

Learning

Constant growth & refinement

Service

Faith, meaning & purpose

If you're ready to rebuild —
I'm here to walk with you.

You don't have to do this alone. Let's start building together.