Health and wellbeing coaches support people to increase their ability to self-manage, motivation levels and commitment to change their lifestyle. They are experts in behaviour change and focus on improving health related outcomes by working with people to set personalised goals and change their behaviours. They work with people with physical and/or mental health conditions and those at risk of developing them.

Health and wellbeing coaches can be an effective intervention for people experiencing a range of long term conditions, including respiratory, cardiovascular (including type 2 diabetes and hypertension), and stress/low mood. They can also support people with weight management, diet and increasing activity levels.

Resources to support and embed health and wellbeing coaches and health coaching

The Workforce development framework for health and wellbeing coaches provides guidance for health coaches in the NHS and those employing them. It sets out professional standards and competencies, gives guidance on supervision, training, and continuous professional development.

Training – details of accredited health coaching training providers can be found on the Personalised Care Institute website.

The health coaching guide is designed to support the delivery of health coaching. It sets out the key features of health coaching and principles of an effective system-wide approach to health coaching.

It is ideal for those working in integrated care systems (ICSs) to support planning the adoption of health coaching services.

This guide should be read alongside the supported self-management summary guide. It will help readers:

• develop an introductory understanding of health coaching
• understand the different types of health coaching currently being used in their area
• choose the right approach for your circumstances
• ensure their approach aligns with the Comprehensive Model for Personalised Care, and
• understand what should be considered health coaching when reporting on health coaching services

We welcome feedback on the contents of these guides and to understand how and where they have been used. Contact the team england.supportedselfmanagement@nhs.net.