Our Coaching for Work and Wellbeing Programme

We were grateful to receive funding from the City & Guilds Foundation to deliver our Coaching for Work and Wellbeing programme, designed to train volunteers to become confident, capable wellbeing coaches. Through a series of practical learning sessions at the Garden of Arden, volunteers developed core coaching skills, practised by coaching each other, and built confidence in listening, questioning, empathy and support.

Once trained, the new Coaches began working one‑to‑one with members of our Green Therapy community group, helping individuals to set and achieve personal goals, improve their wellbeing, build employability skills and complete practical tasks linked to our Autumn Goals framework. This included everything from gardening skills and communication development to confidence‑building activities and real‑world achievements that strengthened their CVs.

The programme also offered a flexible virtual learning pathway for a neurodiverse participant, demonstrating the value of adapting training to individual needs and highlighting the importance of inclusive learning environments. Early outcomes showed improved mental health, stronger social connections, new skill learning across the group and even one participant securing employment using the programme as evidence.

Overall, the project has strengthened our community, expanded our neurodiverse‑friendly offer and shown the huge potential of coaching to support wellbeing, skills development and future opportunities.