LIDEN ACADEMY’S PEER SUPPORT PROGRAMME
The school’s Peer Mentoring programme is designed to help children and young people develop the skills needed to support other young people.
Research shows that sometimes children and young people find it easier to speak to someone their own age when they have a problem.
The peer mentors have been learning how to have a really good conversation, how to listen and how to support other people as well as learning about positive ways to look after themselves using the 5 Ways to Well-being.
Peer mentors are selected towards the end of Year 5, so that they can complete their training ready to take over at the start of year 6. Peer mentors pledge to listen without judgement and to provide a confidential space to their mentees. This means that a peer mentor will not share what the mentee tells them with anyone else unless they feel worried about them and fear that they or someone else is at risk of harm. Peer mentors have been trained to listen out for issues that may be putting their mentee at risk and know what information they need to pass on to a staff member. For this reason, a dedicated member of staff will always be present whilst mentoring is taking place in case any issues arise. All peer mentors also attend regular meetings with the Peer Mentor Coordinator where they will share their mentoring experiences and receive any additional support or training needed. In these meetings any information shared about mentees will be anonymous to protect confidentiality.
The benefits of being a Peer Mentor are:
- Opportunity to spend time developing skills that support their own well-being
- Training to develop interpersonal skills such as listening and communicating
- Working towards strengthening key employability skills such as project management and organisation that improve their future job prospects
- Experience that supports young people to stand out on future applications for jobs, further education & apprenticeships
- A fun programme of events that develop key skills, build resilience and promote teamwork.
PEER MENTEES
The mentees will spend one lunchtime a week with a Peer Mentor who will be able to provide a listening ear and time to talk to your child, offering activities that support their well-being and help them feel good.
Children may be offered time with a Peer Mentor if they have either expressed an interest, placed a worry in our Share Box, or their teacher thinks it will benefit them.
The benefits of spending time with a Peer Mentor for your child are:
- Opportunity to spend time developing skills that support their own well-being.
- Time to talk about how they feel.
- Able to discuss any problems; (such as friendship issues, exam stress, bullying,) without fear of judgement.
- Space to share any worries with someone of a similar age.
If you think your child would benefit from spending time with a Peer Mentor or would like more information, please email Mrs Robison, our Peer Mentor Co-ordinator. [email protected]