Training
- Training Workshops
- Training Programmes
- Child Protection
- Peer Support
- Kidscape Trainers
- Who we've trained
- What they thought
- What does it cost?
- Enquiry Form
- ZAP Assertiveness training for 9 - 15 years olds
Help us by completing our online Survey - see what others thought of Kidscape...
We'd welcome your feedback about our website. Email us and let us know what you think.
Copyright © Kidscape 2010
Reg Charity No. 326864
All rights reserved
2 Grosvenor Gardens
London SW1W 0DH
Peer Support
An effective school is concerned with the overall well being of all in its community. The implementation of a Peer Support Initiative helps senior pupils and staff to tackle issues affecting pupils in a positive and productive manner.
A Peer Support system should be able to respond to the needs of younger pupils in particular.
In order to equip senior pupils to deliver this support a training and supervision programme should be set up in schools.
What is Peer Support?
Peer support is based on the fact that young people most often seek out other young people when they are experiencing some concern or worry.
Peer helping relies strongly on communication to encourage self-exploration and decision making.
Peer helpers/supporters are NOT professional counsellors or therapists, they are young people who offer supervised support to other young people to help them think through and reflect on concerns, which they may be experiencing.
Peer helpers should be given training to provide a non-judgemental, active approach to listening which encourages others to express and explore their frustrations.
The basis of peer support programmes is the understanding that those involved have similar characteristics to those being helped, for example in age or life experience.
How can Peer Supporters help?
The roles of peer supporters are determined by the training, which they are given and by the needs of the school. Peer helpers may be involved in any of the following:
- Helping young people with learning
- Helping younger or new pupils make the transition to a new school
- Assisting with topics of concern to other pupils
- Assisting pupils in resolving disputes
- Helping others to sort out concerns, brainstorm ideas & offer practical help
- Reaching out to lonely or troubled pupils
How to set up a Peer Support scheme:
- Conduct an anonymous school survey to find out the extent of the bullying problem and where the bullying commonly occurs.
- Set up initial meetings with staff, parents and governors to discuss implementation of the scheme and any resulting concerns.
- Devise a questionnaire for students interested in taking part in the scheme to aid teachers in the selection process.
- Organize training in listening skills for students chosen to take part in the scheme and for any other parent/staff member directly involved.
- Appoint members of staff to be responsible for monitoring and supporting the student counsellors on a continuing basis.
- Inform the whole school about the scheme through publicity and curriculum-related activities.
You can view an outline of Kidscape's Peer Support\Counselling course.
N.B. For a Peer Counselling scheme to run successfully it should be part of a whole-school anti-bullying policy.
