Peer Support at Sandwick

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Peer Support at Sandwick
A programme arranged by Mari Todd - Health
Promotions, David Jones - Social Work
Department, Chris McGinlay - Sandwick School
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What is Peer Support?

• Peer Mentoring - Buddy System.
• Target P7-S1 Transition.
• S4 pupils are peer supporters.

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Why Peer Support

• Sandwick Boys Group - self esteem
• Proactive - JAT, Behavioural Support Group,
  Mental Health Forum
• National Drive - Emotional Resilience.
• Use existing models and resources.

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Objectives for S1

• Aid P7 transition
• Reduce transition anxiety
• Reduce bullying in S1
• Allow S1 pupils to settle to studies
• Encourage pupils support networks

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Objectives for S4

• Foster listening skills.
• Foster respect for others.
• Develop confidence and self-esteem
• Take an active role in improving the school

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Objectives for the School

• Develop closer inter-agency links
• Develop effective training for supporters.
• Encourage earlier uptake of support or guidance.
• Build on the tolerant atmosphere in the school.

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Peer Supporter Role

• Meet with their group of S1 pupils at breaktime
  once per week.
• Help in the P7 Days In Teambuilding Event.
• Make a visit to a feeder primary with a secondary
  teacher.
• Work with supervising staff
• Know the limits of their role.

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Peer Supporter Details

• Peer Supporters work in pairs
• Each pair assigned to 8-10 P7 pupils
• Initial contact - 40 minute session.
• Ongoing informal contact at breaktimes

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Staff Role

• Co-ordinated in school by Chris McGinlay.
• Volunteer teachers to supervise peer supporters.
• Meet with peer supporters once per fortnight
• Be available as a first point of contact
• Liaise with co-ordinator
• Possibly attend training with peer supporters

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Supporter Training

• Initial one-day session
• Led by Mari Todd, Dave Jones and Chris McGinlay
• Follow up training in school (PSHE /PSD)
• Internally certificated
• Definition of PS / Skills / Limits

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Project Status

• Programme developed - available online
• Launch to pupils, parents and staff
• Training programme ready.
• Recruiting Now!

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TODO!

• Monitoring and evaluation
• Explore 2-day residential training course (e.g.
  at Voe House, Walls)
• Expand programme - listening service?

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Peer Support at Sandwick
Thank you for listening!