Peer Support

The peer support group is a group of pupils who met once a week to discuss various issues concerning peer support or mentoring. The pupils have in most cases been recommended by their fellow pupils or by their housemistress or housemasters; they have to be able to show that they can be confidential, non- judgmental and have empathy. Most pupils who are part of this group go on to become head of house or Third Form prefects. There are talks arranged by outside speakers from Broadmoor, Samaritans, Feltham young offenders, local magistrates, bereavement counselling, the college chaplaincy, housemasters, housekeepers, wilderness expertise on bullying and first aid, HYPE.

The pupils know that when discussing problemsthey have to state from the start they may have to refer some cases/concerns onto their housemasters. There are peer supporters in each house who are known to the housemaster and housekeeper. Photos are displayed for girls and boys to identify who they can talk over a problem with.

Programme

Mixture of in group tasks and outside speakers.

Topics covered in groups:

• Listening skills
• Own support network
• Boundaries
• Am I a good friend?
• Anger management skills
• Keeping one's integrity
• Honesty

Outside speakers:

Peter Harvey 'Skills needed to a Third Form prefect/head of house.'
Father O'Brien. 'Life as a Chaplain.'
Mark Lovett. 'Life as a JP.'
Mrs Penny Dyer. 'Being a Broadmoor visitor.'
Sheena - Wilderness Expertise. 'Life as a paramedic'
Mrs Beck. 'Working on Feltham Young Offenders and Coldingley Prison rehabilitation programmes.'
Wendy Rainer. 'Loss and bereavement/listening strategies.'
Peter Harvey. 'Bullying'
Neil Lunnon. 'How peer supporters can help in the house/dorm'
Samaritans
Joe Taylor Eves. 'Hype'
Charley Norris  and Matthew Fields  'Tiger Kloof. HIV Babies'