Context/background ASHA Life Coaching is a Key Action 1 project comprised of two training courses that were held at the ASHA Centre (Forest of Dean, United Kingdom) in 10-18.12.15 and 30.03 - 07.04.16. The project focused on personal development methods and coaching in youth work. Life coaching as a concept focuses on personal development (both physical and mental; ranging from personal achievements to healthy food and healthy lifestyle). This project addressed these issues through non-formal education. Our key target group were those working with and for young people, and their harmonious development, both in terms of maximising their potential(s) and promotion of a healthy lifestyle (more action, less video games!). When young people are empowered they can make change happen in their local realities. Participating in this project helped youth workers to make young people gain a better understanding of themselves. Life coaching is a technique that aims to draw out a persons' potential rather than looking for outside knowledge and strategies to assist individual change. Aim and objectives The overall aim of the project was to provide youth workers with youth coaching skills so that they can help young people to better direct their careers and/or professional aspirations; personal and social development and life fulfilment in general. The project was based on non-formal learning methods including icebreakers, energizers, team-building games, small group work, theatre and voice workshops, outdoor work, participant-led workshops and daily feedback and evaluation sessions. The project’s main objective was to develop participants’ competences in youth coaching, including listening, communication and feedback skills, self-evaluation and youth counselling. The project also aimed to help participants get a better understanding of different coaching techniques, to exchange experiences and good practice with their colleagues from other European youth organisations. Specific project objectives: - Introducing the framework of Youth (Life) Coaching to participants - Reflection on the essential qualities of a good Life Coach - Fostering participants’ Youth (Life) Coaching skills - Sharing ASHA’s good practice and experience in Life Coaching - Developing the capacity of partner promoter organisations in Youth (Life) Coaching - Developing of coaching projects within Erasmus Plus, especially KA1 courses. Number and profile of pax The project involved 64 participants from 11 different countries (UK, Bulgaria, France, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Spain, Poland, Czech Republic and Macedonia) across two courses (32 people per course). Description of activities During each course, we have: - Examined different theories of what Life Coaching and Personal Development is. - Reflected about the qualities required for good coaching practices - Workshops on communication (including non-violent communication) - Workshops on relationships and teamwork, - Discussed issues related to physical health, emotional well-being, personal development, spiritual growth, physical environment, career, finances, social and love relationship, family, life purpose and self-awareness. - Connected to nature, becoming aware of our relationship to nature and working on the land and making Nature walks in the Forest of Dean - Creative collages and theatre workshops - Social sport activities and cultural outings Methodology The project was based on non-formal learning methods including ice-breakers, energizers, team-building games, small group work, theatre and voice workshops, outdoor work, participant-let workshops and daily feedback and evaluation sessions. In terms of resources used, we drew from ASHA’s own coaching experiences as well as resources developed by European organisations and institutions including SALTO Coaching Guide, Coach2Coach Manual and ‘Where is my coach’? Resource Rack. Short description of results and impact The direct impact was on the course participants, having the opportunity to participate in the course. They have received new competencies on various aspects of life coaching. The direct result of the course was to train 60 participants and empower them with youth (life) coaching competencies. The project also had an impact on the local community in Gloucestershire, as we planned activities involving cooperation with local people from the wider Forest of Dean. Potential long-term benefits Courses’ long-term benefits will reach local communities and organisations represented by our participants. We will organise special project planning sessions, where participants will be able to develop their own projects, which would be directed at the young people they work with on the daily basis. We will be seeking multiplication effect, where participants will become youth (life) coaches!