Build the Life smaRts

Coaching & Mentoring can support young people to develop their soft skills, embody a more independent coaching mindset, and thrive. It is based on tried and tested frameworks and methodologies used in sports, personal development and leadership, and reskinned for young people.

Why Coaching & Mentoring?

Childhood, adolescence and young adulthood are not always easy.  A young person might have found a particular area of life challenging for as long as they can remember – friendships, assertiveness, organisation or dealing with big emotions.  Sometimes, there might be a specific trigger that means they would benefit from support. 

For others, there is no specific struggle, they may just want to “upskill” to get the best out of themselves, or attain an ambitious goal.

The vision for coaching is ultimately to empower young people to develop their own coaching mindset, be more independent and resilient when facing challenges, and build up the life skills that can help them thrive.

Coaching can also offer young people the frameworks and tools they need to support mental healh,, and wellbeing early on in life. 

Mentoring supports young people in a similar way, but with a higher level of mentor-led guidance.  For some young people, this greater level of support is needed for them, at least at the start. 

In reality, most young people will often benefit from a combination of mentoring and coaching approaches.

One of the benefits of coaching and mentoring is that in supporting young people in ways that benefit them holistically, it can often support academic achievement too.  If a young person with low self-esteem can believe in themselves more, if someone who does not have the skills to organise their time and energy learns to be more efficient, or if a young person learns how to embed new constructive habits, and develops a consistent self-care and sleep routine, then there is invariably a positive knock-on effect in all areas of life.

How it Works

1:1 sessions with children, adolescents and young adults are usually 45 minutes and take place in a confidential and safe place.

When working with children (primary school), it is also important to work with parents and educators so the child has a strong system to support them. In some cases, it may be preferable to work only with parents / educators to support them in developing tools and strategies so they can support the child themselves.

Another option is family coaching, where both parents and child attend sessions together.

When working with adolescents or young adults, the need for or appropriateness of parent / educator work will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The number of sessions is guided by the needs of each individual young person, and the pace that it is helpful for them to work at.

For some practical skills (e.g. organisation skills) a range of 6 to 12 sessions may be sufficient.

There are other areas which might benefit from a longer term coaching / mentoring support relationship.

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What can Coaching & Mentoring Support?

Coaching and mentoring support young people in a range of areas related to building their internal resources and ‘soft’ skills. 

This includes (but is not limited to):

  • self-esteem & confidence

  • assertiveness

  • communication & listening skills

  • emotional regulation

  • healthy relationships & friendships

  • stress management

  • time management & organisation

  • goal formulation & accomplishment

  • growth mindset & resilience

  • attaining peak performance

  • study techniques & exam preparation

  • sleep & self-care

Our coaching programmes are rooted in evidence-based techniques traditionally used in business and sports and reframed for young people.

Coaching can also support young people with ADHD or other neurodiversities including with systems and strategies to support better executive function, organisation and social skills.

COACHING Vs COUNSELLING?

Counselling, mentoring and coaching are similar in that they both involve listening and support, in a safe private space.

However coaching and mentoring are more focused on bridging the gap between potential and performance than the therapeutic counselling process.

As a result, they are more goal and solution orientated.

Counselling is more appropriate for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety-related disorders, self-harm, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, trauma work, family break-ups and bereavement. 

Coaching & Mentoring Services

  • Child Coaching & Mentoring (Age 5-11)

    There is an initial assessment with parents and the child, Based on this assessment we draw up an initial plan for the likely number of sessions we will work towards or agree the work will be open ended. This can be reviewed at any point.

    There will be sessions with the child, as well as regular sessions with parents/ educators around how best to support the child.

  • Adolescent / Young Adult Coaching & Mentoring (Ages 12-23)

    With some adolescents / young adults, parents may be involved, if this is helpful, and if the young person is willing for them to be so. With other young people, it may be most appropriate that they have a completely independent coaching relationship. This is assessed on an individual basis.

  • Parent / Educator & Family Coaching

    Independent Parent / Educator coaching sessions can be offered as an alternative pathway to support the young person. Parents and caregivers sometimes need support themselves, and can also learn skills and strategies that support both the family and the young person in question.

    Family coaching, where parents and child attend sessions together is an alternative model, and can help foster change at the family level.

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