At Ballyclare Secondary School we recognise that there are times when it may be easier for young people to talk to someone their own age about difficulties or problems they are experiencing. This has given rise to the Peer Mentor Programme. Selected Year 14 pupils have taken part in training sessions after school to develop their skills in helping other students.

Young people can benefit from the opportunity to talk to a suitably trained peer during times of change and stress.  Pastoral Staff can identify pupils who would benefit from the scheme and match them up with one of these senior pupils. This type of mentoring relationship is beneficial to the students as:

• They speak the same language as each other.
• Have common experiences.
• Peer mentors have high levels of empathy with their mentee.
• They share common issues, hopes and fears.

We would like to congratulate this year’s Peer Mentors and look forward to working with them this academic year.