Feedback from our volunteer coaches and peers

The Health Connect Coaching Programme has been developed and designed in collaboration with people living with a long-term health condition(s). The programme continues to be adapted based on feedback, comments and suggestions we receive from both our Volunteer Coaches and ‘Peers’ who access the programme. As a service, we pride ourselves in our personalised, high quality, person-centred approach which we continue to tailor to the wants / needs of our population. This is why the feedback we receive is such a pivotal part of the programme and its ongoing adaptations.

Letter from previous programme participants

“Hello
Well firstly I’d like to say Well Done! It’s not easy to accept that you might need a little help and for you to admit that and then do something about it shows that you are on your way and I have no doubt that working together with your personal Health Connect Coach you will succeed.

I have always been one to just get on with things, not wanting to bother anyone else with my issues, always telling everyone that I’m okay – laughing and smiling whilst struggling to cope. I’m sure you know that feeling. Well let me tell you that with your Health Connect Coach you now have someone you can talk to, someone who understands because they have been in a similar situation. I am on the wrong side of 70 and was a bit reticent about joining in this programme as I didn’t want to be pouring out my heart to a ‘youngster’ who had little life experience, who I would have little in common with. You can imagine my surprise then when I first spoke with my coach to find she was in her late 30’s/early 40’s, interested in crafting and card making, just like me, an animal lover just like me! We got on really well from the very beginning. She is very easy to talk to but also doesn’t let us stray too far from the task of giving me pointers to what things might help and I have to say that following some of her suggestions I sleep better and longer than I have for quite a while!

So, my advice is – go into this with an open mind, there is no exam, no winning or losing to worry about just a listening ear and a helpful hand and you will find that it helps and you will feel less alone, more in control, and completely supported!”