Peer Supporters

group of hands.jpg Could you be a peer supporter - or perhaps you would like one to help you?

Lots of schools and clubs have developed peer support programmes. They train young people to be able to support their fellow students or members if they have particular problems, especially around conflict and bullying. In your school or club peer supporters might be known as:

 

 

  • Befrienders
  • Buddies
  • Peer mediators
  • Bully busters
  • Cybermentors
  • Peer mentors
  • Mentors

....Or they might be called something else.

 Brad: "Bullying is never OK - get help!" Sean: "Don't be afraid to come to us."

The important thing about all peer supporters is that they really want to help other young people who are worried about something or someone.

What qualities do peer supporters need?

You may wish to become a peer supporter if you:

  • Want to help others
  • Can keep other people’s problems private from your friends
  • Are a good listener
  • Want to help people to find their own solutions, not give them advice
  • Are willing to give up some of your free time in school to help others

Hannah and Emily: "A peer supporter is always there to help others." Appey: "Peer mentors are basically your friends, that help you."

Find out if there are peer supporters in your school

and if you can become one by:

  • Asking your form tutor
  • Head of year
  • Your school council representative
  • Or the senior teacher in charge of anti-bullying in the school

     

Activities for Peer Mentors and Peer Mediators

If you are a Peer Mentor then the activities here can help you do important work of supporting other students in your school.

As peer supporters you need to keep your skills sharp and to make sure you get the support you need from others. It is really helpful to meet regularly as a group to support each other and to do some top-up training.

The resources available below provide you with some activities that you can try out in your training sessions before using them in your peer support work.   

  • Peer Mentoring - Drama Games.pdf

     | Date created: Mon 26 Jul 2010 | File Size: 16 kb | File Time: 2 seconds @ 56 kbps

    Description: This activity is designed only for use by trained peer mentors who are in year 12 or year 13. It can be used with mentees or students in Year 7 or above.

  • Peer mentoring - Games.pdf

     | Date created: Mon 26 Jul 2010 | File Size: 38 kb | File Time: 5 seconds @ 56 kbps

    Description: Learn how to lead games which would be ideal to lead with groups of mentees during lunch breaks.

  • Peer mentoring Bullying Awareness Session.pdf

     | Date created: Mon 26 Jul 2010 | File Size: 44 kb | File Time: 6 seconds @ 56 kbps

    Description: This activity can be used by a mentor in Year 12 or 13 to help groups of mentees or students in Year 7 classes to develop confidence about their differences and tolerate other people’s differences.

  • Peer Mentoring - Speak up activity.pdf

     | Date created: Mon 26 Jul 2010 | File Size: 63 kb | File Time: 9 seconds @ 56 kbps

    Description: This activity is designed only for use by trained peer mentors who are in year 12 or year 13. It can be used with mentees or students in Year 7 or above.