Health and Wellbeing Coach

Health and Wellbeing Coaches play a crucial role in holistically supporting a patients’ overall health and well-being.

Health and Wellbeing Coaches support people to increase their ability to self manage, motivation and commit to changing their lifestyle. Generally they work with people with physical and/ or mental health conditions or people who are at risk of developing them.

The role includes: 

• Collaborating in partnership with health, social care, community, and voluntary sector providers to deliver holistic support
• They also offer education and specialised knowledge to improve their skills and understanding of personalised care and behavioural approaches

Health and Wellbeing Coaches usually carry a caseload of patients who it is deemed would most benefit from health coaching. The aim is to work with patients to identify their goals and support them in managing their own health and wellbeing and live independently. 

Training Requirements

Training is provided by the employer for this role.

• The Personalised Care Institute will set out what training is available and expected for HWBCs. Further information will be provided when published. HWBCs will be required to be trained in health coaching in line with the NHSE/I Implementation and quality summary guide
• Training will include understanding the basics of social prescribing, plus an accredited health coaching skills programme (minimum of 4 days) and documented practice hours, along with opportunities for reflection and follow up activities
• Ongoing regular supervision from a health coaching mentor is required. Any health coaching provider will have to be accredited by the Personalised Care Institute (PCI)

Making a Difference webpage

Research published in September 2022 by King’s Business School, King’s College London, shows how Health and Wellbeing Coaches (HWBCs) are inspiring lifestyle changes in patients and having a positive impact in general practice.

The report ‘Making a difference’ – An evaluation of Health and Wellbeing Coaches in North East London’ looks at the role of HWBCs and their effectiveness in addressing health inequalities and better outcomes for patients.

News and Resources