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You're not at the beginning of this journey
If any of this sounds familiar, you've probably already tried more than most parents realise.
School has tried to help. You've had the conversations. You've searched online and tried strategies at home. Perhaps you've watched webinars, read books, or tried counselling. And yet the same difficulties keep coming back.
School support
Teachers are concerned. SEN support has been put in place. But the difficulties continue — because what happens in a classroom of 30 children can't always reach the individual.
Counselling or therapy
Perhaps it hasn't clicked. Perhaps they've refused. Or perhaps it's helped with understanding but hasn't yet changed the day-to-day reality of what's happening at home and at school.
CAMHS or specialist referral
You're on the waiting list — or you've been told it could be months. Your child needs support now, and waiting simply isn't an option.
Strategies and resources
The books, the articles, the webinars, the advice from other parents. Some of it made sense. But it hasn't been enough for your child specifically — because they're not most children.
You don't need to have tried everything before getting support.
Sometimes recognising that your child needs more individual help and acting earlier can prevent difficulties from becoming more established. If something doesn't feel right, that's reason enough to reach out.
Something important that's easy to miss
The more a young person tries things that don't feel relevant to them, the easier it can become to believe nothing will.
"Nothing works." "Nobody understands." "There's no point trying."
General advice is designed to work for lots of children. Annette's coaching starts with this particular young person — how they think, what they believe, what is actually getting in their way, and what will genuinely feel achievable to them.
What makes this different
Annette isn't applying a programme to your child. She's working out what's specifically happening for this young person.
That means understanding what's driving the behaviour — not just managing it. What they're telling themselves. What happens just before they shut down. Why they can know what to do and still not be able to do it.
The situations parents bring to Annette
Real families. Real situations. Real change.
Families who came to Annette when other approaches hadn't been enough.
These aren't polished marketing stories. They're real situations — with the young person in the title, what had already been tried, and what changed.
Personally coached by Annette Du Bois
Someone your child will actually open up to.
CHAMPS Academy isn't a programme delivered by a team of coaches. When you apply, you get Annette personally — every session, every application personally reviewed, every response written by her.
With more than 20 years working exclusively with young people, Annette has a rare ability to understand them quickly, relate to them honestly, and work with how they think — rather than expecting them to fit a standard approach.
20+
Years coaching exclusively young people
500k+
Young people reached through coaching, books, media and online content
TEDx Speaker
Internationally recognised speaker on young people's confidence
Published Author
Unshakeable Teen Confidence — practical tools for young people
GP Referred
Recommended by NHS GPs as a direct alternative to CAMHS
Media Recognised
The Telegraph, Hello Magazine, Sky News
"I've seen Annette Du Bois at work at close quarters and she is a breath of fresh air. CHAMPS Academy is my go-to recommendation for building resilience in young people."
Dr Ayan Panja — Author & NHS GP (25+ years)
The process
What happens when you apply.
A straightforward process — with no obligation until you decide this is right for your family.
Apply
5-minute form. Tell Annette what's happening for your child and what you've already tried.
Personal response
Annette reads every application herself and responds within 24–48 hours with a private call invitation.
Free taster session
A complimentary 15-minute Zoom session for your child — so they experience Annette's approach before any commitment.
Your decision
No pressure. No obligation. You decide — after speaking with Annette and seeing how your child responds — whether to proceed.
Independently verified
261 verified reviews ★★★★★
5.0 out of 5.0 · CHAMPS Academy Coaching on Trustpilot
Questions parents ask before applying
How is coaching different from therapy or counselling?
Coaching is forward-focused and practical. Rather than exploring past experiences in an open-ended way, Annette gives young people specific tools and approaches they can use straight away. Sessions are engaging and conversational — which is why young people who've resisted counselling often respond well to this.
How quickly will I see results?
Most parents notice real changes within 2–3 sessions. A typical 4–6 week programme produces lasting improvement in confidence, emotional regulation and communication. Annette measures progress with a before-and-after evaluation so you can see exactly where your child has grown.
My child has refused every other form of support. Will they engage with this?
This is one of the most common situations families bring to Annette. Her approach is practical rather than clinical, direct rather than exploratory, and entirely focused on the individual rather than a standard curriculum. Many young people who've resisted counselling respond very differently to this. The free taster session exists precisely so your child can experience it before any commitment is made.
What if we're worried about the cost?
CHAMPS Academy is specialist private coaching — it is an investment rather than a free service. If cost is a concern, the best first step is still to apply. Once Annette has understood your situation, she can discuss what's involved clearly and honestly — and you can make an informed decision from there. No one should rule themselves out before that conversation has happened.
Is this suitable for a neurodivergent young person?
Yes. Neurodivergence is one of Annette's specialist areas. She works regularly with young people with ADHD, autism, AuDHD and related profiles. The coaching adapts to how each individual thinks and processes — it is not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Tell Annette what's happening with your child.
Complete the short application so Annette can understand what's happening for your child, what you've already tried, and whether she believes her approach could genuinely help.
She reads every application personally. If she believes she can help, she'll invite you to a private conversation — at no cost and with no obligation.
Tell Annette what’s happening →Takes 5 minutes · No obligation · Annette responds within 24–48 hours
Specialist 1:1 online confidence and anxiety coaching for children and teenagers aged 8–19*. Founded by Annette Du Bois.