Talking about addiction is still a taboo
Anne-Fleur Kok
Health Coach
Meet Anne-Fleur, health coach with a speciality in addictions. As of September, she started as a Health Coach at the university. She works for Youz, an organization that offers advice and treatment to people who have questions or experience problems related to any kinds of addiction such as drugs, gambling or gaming behaviour. “I work for the university, however I’m not part of it. Everything we will talk about is fully confidential and stays in the room.”
So good that we have a Health Coach like you at our university! What is it you do mainly?
''The most important activity of being a health coach are the one-on-one conversations with students. Students can come to me for personal questions, but also for questions concerning other people. My goal is to make the topic as open as possible and to minimize the barrier to ask for help. It can be very simple questions, but also deeper and more complicated questions are welcome.''
Like about addictions? Is that something that's easily discussed?
“Talking about addiction is still a taboo. We all know it happens, so don’t be afraid to talk about it. Not only is this good for yourself, but also for others. Make the topic discussable, that is very important.”
And if a student needs to talk to you. Where can they find you?
''You can find me twice a month in the Living Room where I have a walk-in session about a certain theme, for example nicotine and cannabis. But there are also sessions about ‘How do I help a friend or a family member?’. My personal details are also found in the Living Room and on the website of the Personal Support Hub. You can also email me or send me a text on WhatsApp!''
Want to get in touch with Health Coach Anne-Fleur?
Write her an email or send her a WhatsApp message on +31 6 23 83 64 55.