Telephone health coaching Connect with local services and supportDiabetes Australia in NSW & ACTDiabetes Australia in QueenslandDiabetes Australia in TasmaniaServices and support in TasmaniaThe COACH programBook a clinic appointmentRefer a patientHospital medical, pharmacy and allied health referralGeneral Practice referralOur campsFind your local diabetes organisation The COACH program® Tasmania’s free telephone health coaching service Register your interest Recognised as the world’s leading evidence-based cardiovascular disease prevention program The COACH Program®, delivered by Diabetes Australia, is Tasmania’s only free telephone health coaching service. It supports people living with or at risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease or stroke to prevent or better manage their condition. The coaches are experienced health professionals, giving you the support and guidance you need to take charge of your health. The COACH Program is a free service for adults over 18 living in Tasmania. You may be eligible for the program if you have one or more of the following: Type 2 diabetes Pre-diabetes A high risk of diabetes (including women who’ve had gestational diabetes) Coronary heart disease (heart attack, stent, or heart surgery) A high risk of heart disease A high risk of stroke Six FREE telephone health coaching sessions to stay on track Over six months, you’ll receive monthly phone calls. After each call, your health coach will follow up with a session summary and information to support the goals you’ve discussed. The program is designed to help you stay on track between doctor visits, so you don’t miss a beat. It’s a practical, friendly way to keep your health moving in the right direction. What makes the program unique? How does the program work? How to join The COACH Program FAQs Share the program What makes the program unique? Your coach will help you stay on track between doctor appointments by checking how your health risks, like high cholesterol, are being managed. Together, you’ll work toward reaching healthy targets, with your doctor kept in the loop. Along the way, you’ll learn to implement practical lifestyle changes and get the support you need to keep making progress. What makes The Coach Program different: Support between appointments to stay on track Practical advice that becomes everyday habits Real conversations with trained coaches who understand chronic conditions Focus on long-term health and living well Guidance that connects health care to daily life How does the program work? You’ll receive up to six pre-arranged coaching calls over six months, all from the comfort of your home. Your coach is a trained health professional who’ll guide you through: Lifestyle changes like healthy eating, physical activity, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol How to talk with your doctor about managing your condition, medications, tests, and screening Setting goals to improve your wellbeing and reduce the impact of type 2 diabetes and heart disease Available 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. From risk to results: Andrew’s Story Andrew*, 64 years old, lives in a rural area and cares for his mum, which made it hard to stay on top of his health. After a scare with chest pain, he joined The COACH Program. He was at high risk for heart problems due to obesity, high blood pressure, and unmanaged type 2 diabetes. With help from a nurse practitioner, he started new medication, including an SGLT2 inhibitor alongside his existing diabetes treatment to lower his HbA1c. He was also motivated to make real lifestyle changes, including switching to healthier foods, cutting back on sugar and snacks, and walking regularly. Over six months, Andrew lost nearly 8kg, lowered his blood pressure and cholesterol (from 4.2 to 3.4 mmol/L), and felt much fitter and happier. By the program’s end, Andrew was committed to reaching an HbA1c below 7%. After seeing meaningful improvements across his weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and daily wellbeing, Andrew now feels confident continuing his health journey and building on the progress he’s made with the program. *For privacy reasons, this person’s name has been changed How to join The COACH Program Learn to manage your health and lower your risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and their complications, with practical ways to care for yourself and get the support you need to live a longer, healthier life. Fill out the form below to get started, and if you meet the criteria, our friendly customer service team will be in touch. The COACH Program consent form "*" indicates required fields FacebookThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Your DetailsFirst name*Surname*Phone number*Email* Street name and number*Suburb*Postcode*Date of birth*Do you have one of these?Please selectA high risk of developing Type 2 diabetesPre-diabetesType 2 diabetesPrevious Gestational DiabetesHeart disease (heart attack, stent or heart surgery)High risk of developing coronary heart diseaseHigh risk of strokeIf you indicated "high risk of developing coronary heart disease/stroke" above, please select your risk factor(s): I am at high risk of coronary heart disease because of (select at least one): I have had a TIA or mini-stroke I have been told by my GP that I am at high risk of heart disease I have high blood pressure I have high cholesterol I have diabetes I smoke I am not sure, but I would still like to talk to a health professional about whether I would benefit from participating in The COACH Program Where did you hear about The COACH Program?Please selectGPMy own researchDiabetes educatorOther health professional/service1800PREVENT (Type 2 diabetes)RHH Neurology ClinicConsent To get started, we need to get your consent to use and disclose some of your personal and medical information. You should know: We will only use this information as part of The COACH Program®; We will keep your information secure and confidential; By signing this form, you authorise Diabetes Australia and The COACH Program®; to: Send copies of correspondence provided to you as part of The COACH Program®, to your treating doctor(s) or health provider(s), unless you advise otherwise; Contact your GP practice to obtain your health record information Authorise your pathology provider to release any test results associated with diabetes/heart disease/stroke including HbA1c and/or OGTT and/or fasting glucose; ACR, eGFR, Creatinine, Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL. These tests will have been undertaken within a twelve-month period prior to the consent date and up to two years following; and Use de-identified data (that is, statistical data with no personal information identifying you) from The COACH Program® for evaluation and reporting purposes, including for purposes of academic discussion. Acknowledgement I have read, understood, and consent to the above collection, use and disclosure of my personal information.Family doctor/GP name*General practice name*General practice phone number*Consent box* I give my consent to the above Got questions? We’re just a message away. Chat with our friendly team whenever you need support. For any questions, compliments, complaints, or general feedback about The COACH Program, please complete our contact form. Your feedback is valuable to us as we work to improve our services to you. FAQs Program eligibility & registration Who is eligible for the program? The program is open to Tasmanians aged 18 and over who have: Type 2 diabetes Prediabetes A high risk of diabetes (including past gestational diabetes) Coronary heart disease (heart attack, stent or heart surgery) A high risk of heart disease or stroke Do I need a referral from my doctor? No referral is needed. You can simply complete the self‑referral form to get started. We also welcome referrals from general practitioners, hospital medical staff, pharmacists, allied health practitioners, and community/case care workers from anywhere in Tasmania. What happens after I register and provide consent? We’ll give you a call to confirm your details. If you’re eligible, we’ll help you book your first coaching session. Can I join if I already see a diabetes educator? Absolutely. Coaching works alongside your existing care and can help you prepare for appointments and manage day‑to‑day challenges. How the program supports your care Will the program replace my doctor or specialist? No. Your health coach supports you between appointments, but does not replace your doctor, specialist, or diabetes educator. Do you share information with my doctor? Only if you want us to. With your consent, your health coach can share helpful updates with your healthcare team to keep everyone on the same page. What is Diabetes Australia’s privacy policy? Your privacy matters. You can read more about how your information is managed in Diabetes Australia’s Privacy Policy. What information will the coach ask for? Your coach may ask about your health history, lifestyle, medications, recent blood test results, and any challenges you’re facing. This helps them tailor the program to you. Can I choose the times for the coaching calls? Yes. Sessions are booked at times that suit you, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. What if I miss a call or need to reschedule? No problem. We’ll help you rebook at a time that works for you. How long are the coaching calls? Your first call is usually around 45 minutes, so your coach can get to know you and set goals. Follow‑up calls are shorter, lasting about 20 minutes. After each call, your coach sends session notes and helpful resources. Do I need to prepare anything? It’s handy to have your recent blood test results, medication list, and any questions ready. A pen and paper can help you jot down tips or goals. How much does health coaching cost? It’s completely free for eligible Tasmanians. You can receive up to six phone coaching sessions over six months, funded by the Tasmanian Government through the Department of Health. Program outcomes & expectations What results can I expect? Many people see improvements such as lower HbA1c, lower LDLcholesterol, reduced diabetes‑related stress, healthier eating, and increased physical activity. Your results will depend on your goals and how you engage with the program. Remember, your coach will support you every step of the way. Can I continue after the six‑month program ends? Toward the end of your program, your coach will chat with you about next steps, which may include further resources and support pathways. You’re also welcome to return to the program again in the future. How does The COACH Program help people with chronic disease live longer? Participation in The COACH Program has been shown to reduce the risk of mortality for people with chronic disease. Long‑term studies demonstrate that people who take part in the program achieve significantly better health outcomes compared with those receiving standard care. Key findings from published research include: A long‑term evaluation found that participants in The COACH Program experienced a statistically significant 5.1% reduction in overall mortality at 6.35 years compared with usual care. A separate 10‑year study reported that participation in the program was associated with a 34% reduction in the risk of mortality, alongside reduced hospital use and improved management of cardiovascular risk factors. These results show that the structured coaching, support, and closing of treatment gaps delivered through The COACH Program contribute to helping people with chronic disease live longer, healthier lives. Further program information What makes The COACH Program evidence‑based? The program has been internationally recognised for its strong clinical results. In 2018, the British Heart Foundation and Public Health England rated it the number one most evidence‑based cardiovascular disease prevention program in the world. Is the program culturally appropriate and inclusive? Yes. We support people from all backgrounds, and if you need interpreter‑supported care, we can connect you with the Integrated Diabetes Service delivered by Diabetes Australia in Tasmania, which offers interpreter‑assisted clinics with a Credentialled Diabetes Educator or Accredited Practising Dietitian. Share the program Download the program resources to help spread the word about Tasmania’s free telephone health coaching service. Brochure Posters Email banner Social media tiles Download all resources (zip file)
