Peer2Peer

Over recent years Peer Mentoring has increased in popularity and has been introduced in many schools. A mentoring programme makes a valuable contribution to the overall ethos of the school and pastoral support systems. Older pupils matched with younger pupils provide an accessible point of contact from which younger pupils may seek information and support and build life skills in a language and manner that are both familiar and acceptable. Carefully designed and well run mentoring programmes provide the important extra support that many young people need, for a wide range of reasons – such as homework help, conflict mediation, bullying and other issues and concerns.

Effective Peer Mentor schemes can and do increase the opportunity for an individual’s personal and social development. It can provide support and encouragement, help build confidence and self-esteem, create empathy and encourage a more positive participation in school life.

Mentoring is a great opportunity and in addition to receiving training and support, time as a mentor can be counted towards awards such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or Millennium Volunteers (over 16 only). It will also be of benefit when completing UCAS forms and/or a CV. Mentoring enables a person to learn valuable life skills which will be helpful to them as they grow into adulthood.

Working with between 20 – 25 young people our Award Winning ‘Peer2Peer’ Programme promotes ‘Strength in Sharing’ and provides fun, interactive training in confidentiality awareness, active listening and communication skills and understanding bullying and conflict. Throughout the day, pupils will understand their role as a mentor and using role play scenario’s, will develop the essential skills and mentoring practice.

Pupils will also work together to consider how they will establish, promote and implement their peer mentoring scheme and with the support of school staff, will learn how to effectively manage the scheme.

Mentoring is a great opportunity and in addition to receiving training and support, time as a mentor can be counted towards awards such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or Millennium Volunteers (over 16 only). It will also be of benefit when completing UCAS forms and/or a CV. Mentoring engages young people and enables them to learn valuable life skills which will be helpful to them as they grow into adulthood.

Feedback from the peer support schemes we have developed shows that a successful scheme can help create a calm, positive environment in which young people can learn, play, develop and grow, and where bullying is reduced.

BulliesOut_Project_Info_Brochure