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Helping young people support each other
Young people often turn to their peers for support in difficult times, before they turn to parents, counsellors or school staff. The Peer Skills program provides training and resources to primary and secondary schools to help young people help themselves, their friends and peers in a safe and effective way.
An evidence-based peer support approach is effective in addressing a range of issues, including bullying and mental health concerns, because:
- Peer relationships are important for the healthy psychological development of young people.
- Young people have influence over other young people.
- Young people prefer the informal help of friends and family and are most likely to seek support from people with whom they have a close, trusting relationship.
More information:
Access the Peer Skills Facilitators Portal
Information and resources for people who have completed Peer Skills Facilitator Training.
Peer Skills training options
Our Peer Skills training options for young people and educators include:
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Peer Skills Workshop – Supportive Relationships for Young People
The Peer Skills Workshop is a two-day interactive learning experience for young people between the ages of 11 and 18. It has been tailored for upper primary school aged children and other groups with specific needs. It assists young people to:
- Develop skills, knowledge and strategies to help themselves and effectively support peers, friends and family members.
- Connect with adults in supportive roles within their communities.
- Acknowledge and build on natural listening skills.
- Develop helping and problem-solving skills.
- Develop relationship skills.
- Increase confidence in safely assisting a friend or peer.
The workshop improves coping and relationships skills so that young people can better deal with everyday and serious issues. With training, young people can significantly increase their confidence in their ability to provide help and to access help, either for themselves or others.
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You Me We for wellbeing
You Me We for wellbeing is a one-day wellbeing workshop for young people in primary and secondary schools, providing information, practical tips and skills practice using the Wheel of Wellbeing, PERMA + Model and key themes of the Peer Skills program. This workshop can be run as a stand-alone workshop or a precursor to the Peer Skills – Supportive Relationships for Young People training.
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Peer Skills Facilitator Training
The Peer Skills Facilitator Training is run over two days for people with relevant skills and experiences who are supported by their school or agency to implement Peer Skills as a part of their work with young people. It includes:
- Content and processes of the Peer Skills Workshop.
- Child-centred practice and empowerment.
- Effective peer work program implementation.
- The roles and responsibilities of the Peer Skills facilitator.
- Preparation and presentation of a Peer Skills activity.
More information:
Upcoming training
To express an interest in our upcoming training, please complete our enquiry form.
"I have learnt that I am awesome and I can approach adults easier than last time."
"I am more comfortable and confident listening to my friends."
"I have learnt that it’s OK to need help and that everyone does sometimes."
More information:
Why Peer Skills?
Schools that implement Peer Skills find that the program:
- Helps develop respectful relationships – a priority for learning and wellbeing.
- Contributes to a positive school culture – students feel safe, secure and belong.
- Helps prevent problems – issues are responded to before they escalate into more serious concerns.
- Reduces stigma – increases students accessing support for a range of concerns.