We were delighted to partner with Grow to design and deliver a tailored coaching and mentoring development programme for staff and volunteers supporting young people aged 16–24 who face barriers to employment. Following the successful completion of the programme, we are proud to reflect on the learning journey, the impact achieved, and the valuable feedback received from participants.
A Tailored Approach to Coaching Young People
At Coach Mentoring Ltd., we are passionate about equipping people with the skills, confidence and self-awareness to create meaningful change in the lives of others. This programme was built upon our EMCC-accredited coaching and mentoring Foundation level programme and adapted specifically to meet the needs of Grow’s team. Combining coaching, mentoring, emotional intelligence, motivational interviewing, psychological awareness, and nature-based learning, the programme aimed to strengthen participants’ ability to support young people with empathy, confidence and clear professional boundaries.
The programme was delivered across four in-person training days to the Grow staff in Sheffield. Participants explored:
- Psychologically aware and trauma-informed approaches to coaching
- Active listening and relational safety
- Growth Mindset principles
- Motivational interviewing techniques
- Coaching and mentoring models and practical tools
- Contracting and boundary-setting
- Nature-based coaching and reflective practice.
The programme also included peer coaching practice, reflective journalling, tutor feedback, and assessed reflections to help embed learning into everyday practice.
Learning Together in a Supportive Environment
One of the strongest themes emerging from participant feedback was the value of learning alongside colleagues in a safe, supportive environment. Participants particularly appreciated the opportunity to practise coaching skills in real-time, reflect on their experiences, and deepen their understanding through discussion and feedback.
As one participant shared:
“I enjoyed working with the whole team and learning together in a supportive environment. I enjoyed the peer coaching practices. It was good to dig deeper into the practice of coaching and build confidence.”
Others highlighted the quality of facilitation and the relaxed, inclusive atmosphere that encouraged participation:
“Paula Brennan was an excellent facilitator and made everyone feel they could contribute and ask questions.”
The Power of Listening
Perhaps the most significant learning theme was the transformative power of listening.
Participants consistently identified deep and active listening as a key takeaway, recognising how moving away from “fixing” problems and towards creating reflective space can empower others to find their own solutions.
Feedback included:
- “The power of active listening.”
- “The quality of my listening affects their processing and experience.”
- “Remembering to practise deep listening and being much better at avoiding fixing issues.”
- “Allow for silences and don’t feel intimidated by it.”
These reflections demonstrate a shift towards a more coach-like approach, where curiosity, presence and trust become powerful tools for supporting young people navigating uncertainty and change.
Nature as a Learning Partner
A distinctive feature of the programme was the integration of nature throughout the learning experience.
Participants valued the opportunity to step outside traditional training environments and engage in coaching conversations outdoors, using nature as a space for reflection, connection and learning.
One participant reflected:
“The ability and space to have coaching and mentoring conversations with my colleagues in nature.”
By modelling practical nature-based approaches, the programme reinforced how outdoor environments can reduce stress, foster connection and support meaningful conversations with young people.
For more information on the benefits of outdoor coaching read Jonathan Passmore’s research into the benefits and experiences of coaching specifically in the outdoors.
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” — John Burroughs
From Learning to Practice
Encouragingly, participants reported already applying their learning in their day-to-day roles. Examples included:
- Being more present in conversations
- Using open questions more effectively
- Applying the GROW model
- Using techniques such as the Miracle Question and Grief Cycle
- Listening more deeply
- Building confidence in coaching conversations
- Creating greater space for young people to think for themselves
These early signs of transfer into practice are particularly important, demonstrating that the programme has not only increased knowledge but is already influencing behaviour and professional practice.
A Strong Endorsement
The programme received highly positive evaluations across all areas, including programme quality, facilitation, organisation, learning experience and support.
Most importantly, every participant stated they would recommend the programme to others. Participants described the programme as:
• A “thorough deep dive into the world of coaching and mentoring”
• A valuable opportunity to advance existing skills
• An enjoyable and supportive learning experience
• A confidence-building journey that strengthened both knowledge and practice
Helen Jordan, CEO of Grow describes the programme impact:
“It has been brilliant to see how much we have progressed as a team following the programme. At our team meetings we now regularly discuss our challenges using a coaching approach. We are far more reflective and are more conscious of how to build a more autonomous environment for the young people. I feel there is a real coaching culture developing.”
Looking Ahead
At Coach Mentoring Ltd., we believe coaching and mentoring have a vital role to play in supporting young people facing barriers to employment. By developing practitioners who can listen deeply, hold safe and structured conversations, and foster hope and agency, we can create stronger foundations for positive change.
We would like to thank Grow for their commitment, openness and enthusiasm throughout the programme. It has been a privilege to support such a dedicated team, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact of their coaching and mentoring practice in the months and years ahead.
Because when people feel heard, supported and empowered, development becomes possible. Do get in contact if you would like to discuss a similar foundation programme to develop your team.
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