MEET STACEY OLDKNOW

Whenever I introduce myself to new people and tell them what I do, I am often faced with that 'look'. You know the one; furrowed brow, wonky smile, tilted head - basically a look of complete bewilderment and confusion. As a fairly new field to the UK, and actually other parts of the world too, Coaching is an unknown service. People will often think I work in sports, but know nothing of this strange Life Coaching. Those that do, think it is only for adults. Working with youth in this nature? Utterly obsurd! But is it...?

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The idea of Youth Coaching is to give our young people more control of their own lives and futures, and prepare them for the difficulties that they may be faced with both now and in the future as adults. Coaching is NOT therapy, but it is a valuable tool for positive change in young people. Coaching of young people is based on the same principles of Coaching adults:

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'Partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximise their personal and professional potential.'

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So in other words, Coaching is a collaboration between me and my clients to help them move forward with their agenda, whether that be more general (be happier, fit in at school, less stress) or specific (get accepted into College, better Mental Health lifestyle, spend more time with family). Coaching involves providing a Safe and Private space for free-flowing conversation, based around thought provoking questions and using the skills that I am trained in to encourage my clients to identify goals and the actions needed to achieve them. In turn this gives my clients more confidence and the motivation needed for success, as well as accountability check-ins offering support, progress updates, and celebrating successes. Sounds great right? I do work with adults too...

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The biggest, and often most challenging, difference between coaching adults and young people is the fact that in Youth Coaching, I am quite often giving the young person their first experience in making independent life choices. This can be hard for parents to accept (believe me, I'm a Mum!) and quite startling for the individuals too but it is so empowering for the young person and they may just surprise you with the choices they make! Please note that I am not here to advise, I am not acting as a parent or teacher. I am here to listen, challenge, and support our Young People to identify their own goals, dreams and visions for the future. Our Young People take the lead!

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So, what do they get from it? What are the benefits? Here is a list of known outcomes from Youth Coaching experiences:

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• Identify things that are difficult or frustrating, and create a plan for success

• Set and reach Goals with minimal Stress

• Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem

• Learn to promote themselves

• Make healthy lifestyle choices

• Increased focus and concentration

• Better time management and planning skills

• Learn to create a positive and supportive environment

• Receive ongoing support and encouragement from an external adult

• Increased productivity at home, school, and/or in the workplace

• Greater sense of life balance and self-awareness

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If you would like to know more, or have a chat about how I might be able to help you or your Young Person, please book your FREE Discovery Call with me today! All Coaching packages are tailored to the individual needs and circumstances.