Coach for young women in the Looking Forward Project – UK (remote) 🌱
Location: Sussex, Uni
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Looking Forward Project is a National Institute for Health and Care Research funded study supporting young women aged 16 to 25 who are currently or recently NEET (not in education, employment, or training). We are looking for volunteer Coaches to join this meaningful work.
As a Coach, you will support young women as they work through HOPEFUL, a structured workbook that includes videos and practical exercises. The programme is designed to help them feel more positive about themselves, increase their time in meaningful activities, and develop a more hopeful mindset.
This is not a therapy or counselling role. Coaches are not mental health practitioners. Instead, you act as a supportive guide, helping participants make the most of the workbook materials in a practical and encouraging way. You will talk through questions about the exercises, support goal-setting, and help with problem-solving around everyday challenges.
Coaches receive full training and guidance on what meetings to have, when to have them, and what to focus on. You will also have ongoing support on how to keep the support helpful, safe, and within clear boundaries.
If you are interested, the first step is a brief online interview with a member of the research team. This is a chance to learn more about the role and discuss whether it feels right for you. If you decide to continue, you will complete training materials in your own time, followed by a getting started call to check that you are ready to begin coaching.
We are looking for people who are patient, encouraging, and reliable. No specific qualifications are required, just a genuine interest in supporting young women and a willingness to learn.
As a Coach, you will support young women as they work through HOPEFUL, a structured workbook that includes videos and practical exercises. The programme is designed to help them feel more positive about themselves, increase their time in meaningful activities, and develop a more hopeful mindset.
This is not a therapy or counselling role. Coaches are not mental health practitioners. Instead, you act as a supportive guide, helping participants make the most of the workbook materials in a practical and encouraging way. You will talk through questions about the exercises, support goal-setting, and help with problem-solving around everyday challenges.
Coaches receive full training and guidance on what meetings to have, when to have them, and what to focus on. You will also have ongoing support on how to keep the support helpful, safe, and within clear boundaries.
WORKING ARRANGEMENT
Coaches need to be available to provide coaching sessions within working hours. Each session lasts between 50 and 65 minutes. You will also be expected to attend fortnightly supervision sessions (1 hour) when you are active with participants, and monthly supervision when you are inactive. We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months.LIVING ARRANGEMENT
Not applicable. This is a remote volunteering role.If you are interested, the first step is a brief online interview with a member of the research team. This is a chance to learn more about the role and discuss whether it feels right for you. If you decide to continue, you will complete training materials in your own time, followed by a getting started call to check that you are ready to begin coaching.
We are looking for people who are patient, encouraging, and reliable. No specific qualifications are required, just a genuine interest in supporting young women and a willingness to learn.
