ABSTRACT
In the domain of education there is increasing awareness of the mental health and well-being challenges faced by both pupils and staff, and the cost to society of failing to address these issues. While the search for long-term solutions to these problems will almost certainly require a range of systemic considerations and changes, it has been argued that an effective response to these challenges should include a greater emphasis on proactive and preventative approaches. This chapter explores how coaching (and, in particular, psychology-informed coaching) can be applied both proactively and reactively to help young people and staff to access practical and emotional support, achieve goals, and move towards improved mental health and well-being, while leaving them equipped with skills they can use to support themselves in future. Questions regarding the practical implementation of coaching in schools are discussed, while the reader is left with some broader questions to prompt further reflection and, if desired, continue these emerging conversations.
