Coaching and Mentoring
Coaching and Mentoring for People with a Disability, Veterans, Travel and general Well Being
First steps, a coaching and mentoring service for “People with Disabilities run by People with Disabilities”.
First steps is a “sole trader” business model providing employment for people with disabilities while supporting others with a significant disability in a range of areas within their community.
Our unique concept provides informal coaching and mentoring for people without the need for Stigma attached support, such as counselling, mental health support and/or medical intervention. “We provide preventative informal support”.
The initial diagnosis or coming to terms with a life changing injury can be very traumatic, not just for the individual but for family and friends.
“I would lie awake at night sobbing, thinking why him? What can I do to help, can I help?” (wife of a man who suffered life changing injuries in an accident, he subsequently went on to have a successful change of career and play international sport).
“I sat in a coffee shop by the window looking out after being told by a hospital consultant, you are losing your sight due to an incurable genetic condition. My first thoughts, how long before this all goes? Will I lose my job, how will I pay the mortgage, what about my 3 children, how will I manage not being able to drive.” (Medically retired teacher/head of department, worked in various minimum wage jobs until finding rewarding and enjoyable employment supporting blind veterans across 2 counties, winner or over 30 blind and disabled golf tournaments worldwide and founder of First Steps Coaching and Mentoring).
First Steps was founded and is run by RAF veteran of 7 years and Coaching and Mentoring Lead, Peter Osborne, who himself has lost his sight since leaving the military and is registered blind (severely sight impaired SSI). Peter, a graduate of the award-winning Lancashire County Council “Ex Service mentor” programme has a Masters degree, a Honours degree and is a qualified Teacher (PGCE). Since leaving the military he has worked as a Senior/Prison Officer, taught at an Ofsted rated Outstanding College, a local Government Officer and supported Blind Veterans with a national blind/military charity.
First Steps provide a quality coaching and mentoring service delivered by qualified and trained staff, all of whom have a significant disability themselves.
Our service provides a full year of Coaching and Mentoring support for only £1500 (individual and small group). *Assistance available with funding
Whilst a preventative service, we can if required, provide access to a range support services in the statutory, Private and 3rd sectors.
First Steps is simply a confidential, impartial, informal, and empathetic ear for people with a disability, be that transitioning from an initial diagnosis/injury, or for those who have struggled since diagnosis or injury.
First Steps fills the massive gap for many people with a disability between comfortable daily living and (often reluctant) formal support.
Addressing the issues people face
The Problems
Overcoming and life after being diagnosed with a significant disability or injury “is” life changing. Being told what is best for you, or "what you need to do" (often by family and/or professionals who mean well) is probably not in "your" best interests, everyone is different….
Coaching and mentoring helps you find your solutions and overcome your problems.
Many veterans joined the military at a very young age and have had things such as housing, medical care, employment, wellbeing services, finance and schooling for children provided for them whilst serving. Suddenly on discharge, a Veteran needs to find these things for themselves. Something so simple to most of society, such as seeing a doctor or finding a place to live can become a huge issue if it has never been needed.
Suddenly a Veteran who has served their country, solved complex problems in life threating situations, overcome adversity and in many cases saved the lives of others, does not know how to register for a GP surgery, apply for social housing or complete a CV. To many, due to pride and determination, this can be more daunting than any of the above, they simply have not had to do these things.
The Solution
Having someone who sees no question as a stupid one and someone who has faced the same issues on discharge from the military will be a massive help. Having a Veteran who is also a trained Coach and Mentor at the end of a phone or screen who can not only help with some of the discharge issues, but help set targets and goals in areas, often like nothing a veteran has previously needed to do.
Most importantly, this relationship is non-judgemental, confidential, in formal and support/friendship based, rather than a Practitioner to patient/client type.
We all know how difficult it can be to seek statutory/formal support.
First Steps Coaching and Mentoring can provide all this….
Benefits
Our Veterans will be supported in a range of areas which seen unimportant or obvious to many who have never served.
One to one coach/mentor informal support for a full year.
A pathway to professional/formal care if required.
Prevention rather than seeking a cure once it’s too late.
Assisting our Veterans back into the community where they can bring the many transferable skills they possess with them.
What is First Steps Coaching and mentoring
Structured impartial and confidential 1 to 1 support delivered by professionally trained veterans.
Non-judgemental support, which helps people to set “individual” goals and targets and “self-evaluate” rather than be told by (often well meaning) others what they should do.
An opportunity to discuss face to face (or online) any worries or difficulties relating to the transition from the military family to civilian life.
Providing Empathetic and shared strategies to improve life after often enduring significant life changing events.
Supporting and encouraging veterans to manage themselves, their own skills and potential in civilian life.
Empathetic two way conversations which share experiences and help find “self focused” answers to a range of potential problems.
The Offer
A full year of support from a qualified Coach and mentor who is also a veteran.
Six Face to face or online individual (or small group) sessions over 6 to 12 weeks, followed by a further 9 months of ongoing support.
Free to all veterans (and transitioning service leavers) via a referral or call to First Steps
The Cost
£1500 for a year of support Free to all veterans and in some cases, people with a significant disability.
Courses are funded by grants, fundraising and military organisations willing to support a veteran or disabled person for a year.
First steps, a coaching and mentoring service for “People with Disabilities run by People with Disabilities”.
First steps is a “sole trader” business model providing employment for people with disabilities while supporting others with a significant disability in a range of areas within their community.
Our unique concept provides informal coaching and mentoring for people without the need for Stigma attached support, such as counselling, mental health support and/or medical intervention. “We provide preventative informal support”.
The initial diagnosis or coming to terms with a life changing injury can be very traumatic, not just for the individual but for family and friends.
“I would lie awake at night sobbing, thinking why him? What can I do to help, can I help?” (wife of a man who suffered life changing injuries in an accident, he subsequently went on to have a successful change of career and play international sport).
“I sat in a coffee shop by the window looking out after being told by a hospital consultant, you are losing your sight due to an incurable genetic condition. My first thoughts, how long before this all goes? Will I lose my job, how will I pay the mortgage, what about my 3 children, how will I manage not being able to drive.” (Medically retired teacher/head of department, worked in various minimum wage jobs until finding rewarding and enjoyable employment supporting blind veterans across 2 counties, winner or over 30 blind and disabled golf tournaments worldwide and founder of First Steps Coaching and Mentoring).
First Steps was founded and is run by RAF veteran of 7 years and Coaching and Mentoring Lead, Peter Osborne, who himself has lost his sight since leaving the military and is registered blind (severely sight impaired SSI). Peter, a graduate of the award-winning Lancashire County Council “Ex Service mentor” programme has a Masters degree, a Honours degree and is a qualified Teacher (PGCE). Since leaving the military he has worked as a Senior/Prison Officer, taught at an Ofsted rated Outstanding College, a local Government Officer and supported Blind Veterans with a national blind/military charity.
First Steps provide a quality coaching and mentoring service delivered by qualified and trained staff, all of whom have a significant disability themselves.
Our service provides a full year of Coaching and Mentoring support for only £1500 (individual and small group). *Assistance available with funding
Whilst a preventative service, we can if required, provide access to a range support services in the statutory, Private and 3rd sectors.
First Steps is simply a confidential, impartial, informal, and empathetic ear for people with a disability, be that transitioning from an initial diagnosis/injury, or for those who have struggled since diagnosis or injury.
First Steps fills the massive gap for many people with a disability between comfortable daily living and (often reluctant) formal support.
Addressing the issues people face
The Problems
Overcoming and life after being diagnosed with a significant disability or injury “is” life changing. Being told what is best for you, or "what you need to do" (often by family and/or professionals who mean well) is probably not in "your" best interests, everyone is different….
Coaching and mentoring helps you find your solutions and overcome your problems.
Many veterans joined the military at a very young age and have had things such as housing, medical care, employment, wellbeing services, finance and schooling for children provided for them whilst serving. Suddenly on discharge, a Veteran needs to find these things for themselves. Something so simple to most of society, such as seeing a doctor or finding a place to live can become a huge issue if it has never been needed.
Suddenly a Veteran who has served their country, solved complex problems in life threating situations, overcome adversity and in many cases saved the lives of others, does not know how to register for a GP surgery, apply for social housing or complete a CV. To many, due to pride and determination, this can be more daunting than any of the above, they simply have not had to do these things.
The Solution
Having someone who sees no question as a stupid one and someone who has faced the same issues on discharge from the military will be a massive help. Having a Veteran who is also a trained Coach and Mentor at the end of a phone or screen who can not only help with some of the discharge issues, but help set targets and goals in areas, often like nothing a veteran has previously needed to do.
Most importantly, this relationship is non-judgemental, confidential, in formal and support/friendship based, rather than a Practitioner to patient/client type.
We all know how difficult it can be to seek statutory/formal support.
First Steps Coaching and Mentoring can provide all this….
Benefits
Our Veterans will be supported in a range of areas which seen unimportant or obvious to many who have never served.
One to one coach/mentor informal support for a full year.
A pathway to professional/formal care if required.
Prevention rather than seeking a cure once it’s too late.
Assisting our Veterans back into the community where they can bring the many transferable skills they possess with them.
What is First Steps Coaching and mentoring
Structured impartial and confidential 1 to 1 support delivered by professionally trained veterans.
Non-judgemental support, which helps people to set “individual” goals and targets and “self-evaluate” rather than be told by (often well meaning) others what they should do.
An opportunity to discuss face to face (or online) any worries or difficulties relating to the transition from the military family to civilian life.
Providing Empathetic and shared strategies to improve life after often enduring significant life changing events.
Supporting and encouraging veterans to manage themselves, their own skills and potential in civilian life.
Empathetic two way conversations which share experiences and help find “self focused” answers to a range of potential problems.
The Offer
A full year of support from a qualified Coach and mentor who is also a veteran.
Six Face to face or online individual (or small group) sessions over 6 to 12 weeks, followed by a further 9 months of ongoing support.
Free to all veterans (and transitioning service leavers) via a referral or call to First Steps
The Cost
£1500 for a year of support Free to all veterans and in some cases, people with a significant disability.
Courses are funded by grants, fundraising and military organisations willing to support a veteran or disabled person for a year.