Better Health Coaching Service delivers strong lifestyle change outcomes for South Australians

Chronic disease continues to place significant pressure on primary care services in South Australia, with lifestyle factors such as poor nutrition, low physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption remaining key contributors.

To help bridge the gap between clinical care and sustained lifestyle change, Preventive Health SA is funding the Better Health Coaching Service. Offering up to 10 free telehealth appointments with a tertiary qualified health coach, the service is designed to support patients to improve their health behaviors in a practical, achievable and sustainable way.

Delivered by qualified health professionals, the service provides structured support to help people improve nutrition, increase physical activity, reduce tobacco or alcohol use, and better manage their overall wellbeing. It compliments primary care by offering ongoing support between appointments, helping patients turn intention into action through goal setting, accountability, and practical strategies.

The service is particularly beneficial for people at risk of, or living with, chronic conditions, as well as those who may face barriers accessing in-person support, especially in regional and rural areas.

Recent outcomes from participants who utilised the service between 2025–2026 highlight the impact:

• 64% of respondents increased their daily vegetable intake
• 51% of respondents reduced their snack food intake
• 60% of respondents increased their confidence to manage health conditions
• 58% of respondents increased their time spent walking

These results demonstrate the impact that structured coaching and ongoing engagement can have in supporting meaningful and sustained behaviour change.

The service is free and available statewide. Patients can self-refer or be referred by a health professional.

For more information about eligibility and referral pathways, visit:
https://betterhealth.sa.gov.au