Health and Wellbeing Coach

Nadine Foster - Health and Wellbeing Coach

I graduated from the University of Worcester with a 2:1 BSc Hons degree in Psychology in 2019. I then went on to train as a Teaching Assistant, where I spent a lot of time supporting children with special needs, most of whom had Down Syndrome. This sparked a love for caring for people, so I then decided to make a career change and work as a Health Care Assistant at Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham. I worked in its outpatient department and supported Nurses and Doctors in providing a high standard of care to adult patients.

However, I missed the joys and challenges that working with children and young people brings. So, I sought out an opportunity that would combine both my love for education and healthcare, which was when I found Living Well Consortium and began working as their Health and Wellbeing Coach.

I will offer 1-1 sessions to students at Arden Academy in Knowle. These sessions aim to support the student in better managing any current difficulties they may be facing, for example, exam stress, bereavement, relationship difficulties, eating habits and empowering and supporting them to achieve their goals.

We have commissioned Livingwell Consortium to provide a Health and Wellbeing Coach to children in secondary education in Arden Academy. This is a unique role within the school environment, showing how the NHS, voluntary sector and schools can work together in establishing a well received and successful service.
Health & Wellbeing Coaches are typically based in PCN surgeries, private practices etc., however, Nadine’s placement at Arden Academy means that more young people can be reached and supported in identifying, setting, and acting on their personal goals.

A form of supported self-management intervention, which is part of the NHS Long Term Plan’s commitment to make personalised care ‘business as usual’ across the health & care system. Health coaching is a partnership between health and care practitioners and people, it guides and prompts people to change their behaviour so that they can make healthcare choices based on what matters to them.

At the school Nadine works with students aged 11-18 across a range of concerns from friendship issues, settling in at school, managing low mood, depression or stress, motivation, concentration, bullying, low resilience, keeping up routines, anxiety and depression and managing complex emotions etc. Up to 6 non-clinical series of one-to-one sessions can be accessed by students.

There is a strict referral criteria for the service, therefore

Please speak to your home practice or contact your teacher at Arden Academy who will be able to advice whether this is the correct referral pathway for your child