Health and Wellbeing Coaches use health coaching skills to establish a one-to-one partnership with individuals in their care, in order to improve levels of ‘patient activation’. They take a supportive and non-judgemental approach to help people develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to become advocates for their own care so that they can achieve their health and wellbeing goals. Their open approach is designed to encourage the person to self-identify issues and subsequent treatment options, making people more active in their health and care.

A health and wellbeing coach will use their strong communication and negotiation skills to outline potential risks and consequences and to ensure that people understand the implications and accountability of making their own decisions around healthcare. They may also connect people to community-based activities or local health, social care and voluntary services to further support their health care plan.