An Anthology of Loss: What we lose when we lose NHS Health & Wellbeing roles

Across England, Health and Wellbeing Coaches (HWBCs) have become a quietly transformative part of primary care: professionals trained to help people set meaningful goals, support the development of self-management skills and make sustained lifestyle and health behaviour change.

The NHS describes them as specialists in behaviour change who work with people with physical and/or mental health needs to increase activation and independence – freeing clinical colleagues to focus on higher-acuity care while enabling patients to live better, healthier lives.

There is now a plethora of evidence for the impact and efficacy of the health and wellbeing coach role in clinical settings and not only within the NHS, but globally. Sforzo’s Compendium of Health and Wellness Coaching Literature (2023 Addendum) sets out a comprehensive synthesis of empirical studies demonstrating the measurable benefits of coaching interventions on physical health outcomes, behavioural change, psychological wellbeing and healthcare utilisation across diverse populations and healthcare systems.