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Helping young people to support each other

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Peer support Wellfield (640x427)
Photo: back row from left to right: County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member for Children, young people and schools and Louise Clarkson, children and young people service manager from Lancashire Mind. Front row, left to right: Natalie Taylor, Tia Berry and Jon Parkinson who attend Wellfield High School

 

Young people are being trained to offer support to their fellow pupils and students on a range of issues that affect their health and wellbeing.

Lancashire County Council has teamed up with Lancashire Mind to pilot the innovative scheme in 13 schools and three colleges.

Young people who volunteer will be trained by experts from Lancashire Mind on how they can help others with issues they feel are important.

Subjects covered will be chosen by each school, but could include everything from bullying and relationships, to internet safety and body image.

They will then decide how the support will be provided to other young people.

County Councillor Azhar Ali, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “This project came about because we were talking to young people about what type of support would make a difference to their health.

“They said their biggest challenge would be helping them with their mental wellbeing. Issues like cyber bulling and stress were regularly mentioned.

“They said that other young people would be best placed to support with this so we have worked very closely with the schools, health professionals and young people to develop this pilot.

“We hope this project will have a very positive impact on young people over the next 18 months.”

County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: “Young people face many challenges and we need to find the best way to help and support them to make sure they feel well.

“Concerns such as substance misuse, sexual health and weight are often difficult to talk about and research shows they often feel more comfortable speaking to someone the same age.

“This scheme is about training young people who volunteer to help other pupils and students with these issues to ensure they feel better about issues affecting them. If successful, the programme could be rolled out to other schools and colleges across Lancashire.”

Louise Clarkson, children and young people service manager from Lancashire Mind, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to support young people to address the health and wellbeing issues that they think are important.

“At the same time, the peer supporters are promoting their own mental wellbeing through connecting with their peers, learning new skills, being aware of both the issues and assets within their schools and by giving their time.

“Lancashire Mind’s vision is mental wellbeing for all and we believe this project will play an important part in achieving that.”

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