What is the role of a Health and Wellbeing Coach?
The Health and Wellbeing Coach is a non-clinical health professional who supports people to take pro-active steps to improve the way they manage their own health based on what matters to them. The coach supports people to develop their knowledge, skills, confidence in managing their health and care, to improve their health outcomes and quality of life. The coach will support people to make changes in health-related behaviors. Health coaches do this by coaching and motivating people through multiple sessions to identify their needs and help people set goals for themselves. The coach can also help provide access to community interventions and support.
Aim of the Health and Wellbeing Coach
The aim of the Health and Wellbeing Coach is to work with anyone who has an existing long-term condition(s), anyone who is at risk of developing a long-term health condition or anyone who has concerns about future health and would benefit from support to manage their health and wellbeing.
The Health and Wellbeing Coach will help people to assess their lifestyle behaviours and wellbeing, to set goals for improving their health, agree action plans and provide practical support and information that will help people to take an active role in managing their health and wellbeing.
Who is the service open to?
The service is available to anyone aged 18 years and older; registered with a GP at either; Peel House Medical Practice, Oswald Medical Centre, Blackburn Road Medical Centre, Accrington Victoria PWE or Richmond Medical Centre.
What can I get help with?
Lowering Weight:
People may want to lower their weight due to health concerns or simply to feel more comfortable in their body. We would work with a person to find out what realistic, long term lifestyle changes can be made.
Healthier Diet:
A healthier diet can help manage health conditions and reduce risk of future ill health. We work to identify what the reasons are behind a less healthy diet and work with clients to find healthier alternatives.
More active lifestyle/exercise:
Increasing activity can help improve quality of life, health and wellbeing. However, this has become more difficult with the rising prevalence of desk jobs, car transport and sedentary activities. Health coaching helps clients to find ways of increasing activity in their life.
Reducing Stress & Low Mood:
Physical and mental health are interlinked and difficulty in one area can often have an impact on the other. We can help clients identify activities which improve their mental health and address barriers to activities.
Managing Health Conditions (Diabetes, Stroke, Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension):
Lifestyle behaviours can have a dramatic impact on pre-existing health conditions. Clients who have received health advice for a condition but struggle to integrate this into their life may benefit from health coaching.
How can I make an appointment with the Health and Wellbeing Coach?
You can book an appointment by speaking to one of our reception team who will book an appointment for you. You may also be given an appointment following discussion with your GP, practice nurse, advanced staff practitioner, health visitor or any other clinical staff attached to the surgery.
What can I expect?
You may receive a phone call where the Health and Wellbeing Coach will gather some information about yourself and your lifestyle. They will have a personalized conversation with you to understand what really matters to you and to build a bigger picture; considering the wider needs that may be impacting you. The Health and Wellbeing Coach will then discuss with you the best way they can help you. Following this, you are likely to be offered a further detailed appointment to assess your health and wellbeing. The appointment can last up to 30 minutes and can take place as a:
- Face to face appointment in your GP surgery or in a community setting.
- Telephone appointment if you are unable to travel to the practice or would prefer a phone call.
- Video link appointment via MS Teams or Zoom.
Following assessment, the outcomes may include…
- The Health and Wellbeing Coach will work with you to create a care plan; setting goals for you to achieve.
- Connect you to local communities, groups and organizations for practical and emotional support.
- On some occasions, the Health and Wellbeing Coach may feel alternative options are more appropriate to support your needs and therefore may signpost you to other support services that are available with your consent.
Where will the Health and Wellbeing Coach be based?
The Health and Wellbeing Coach will be based in the Hyndburn Central PCN; accessible to patients registered with the following practices:
- Richmond Medical Centre
Telephone – 01254 282460
- Oswald Medical Centre
Telephone – 01254 369123
- Blackburn Road Medical Centre
Telephone – 01254 287180
- Peel House Medical Practice
Telephone – 01254 964974
- Accrington PWE
Telephone - 01254 733977
Confidentiality
All information shared will be held in manual and electronic formats and only be used in line with the Data Protection Act 2018. The information will be kept ‘live’ on the information systems for as long as you are registered with the service.
In certain circumstances, we may be required to share your information with other professionals and agencies. Your consent would be sought if a request to share information was made unless impossible due to urgency and necessity.