High School mentors pave the way in anti-bullying campaign

Peer Mentoring is a proven, effective and student-led programme already being used to help combat bullying in many primary, secondary and special schools throughout the UK.

The mentors at Bexhill High are part of a pilot being run by the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation. Over the next two years, they will be working closely with fellow students, helping them to understand the impact of their words or actions on others and encouraging them to become active citizens in the school community.

Student support coordinator, Trudy Hillman, said: "The Peer Mentor Team has now been working in the school for over six years.

"The impact they have had on the school, both on terms of supporting vulnerable students and contributing to the school community, cannot be underestimated."

During Anti Bullying Week, which starts on Monday, the High's peer mentors will be promoting their anti-bullying messages in school through games, activities and assemblies.

The Peer Mentor Team have developed a pack that all form groups will be working through during the week, including discussions, competitions and a review of the student-produced Anti-Bullying Policy. The team have also written and produced a dance based on the theme of "Being different, belonging together" which will be presented to all year groups along with a presentation on the role of the peer mentor.

There will also be a fund-raising cake sale for ChildLine.

To thank the peer mentors for their hard work, and to recognize their achievement of the Princess Diana Anti-Bullying Award which will be presented to them by the Right Honourable Beverley Hughes MP on December 15, there will be a celebratory event for the team by the school governors on Wednesday.

Schools wishing to set up their own peer mentoring programme should contact the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation for details of training and resources - www.mandbf.org.uk