Peer Support Reference Tool for Students
Peer support initiatives can be a healthy addition to your school if they are planned carefully, focus on specific areas, and students have the support they need to be involved. Students have an important role in peer support initiatives, and this resource can help provide information if your school is considering implementing a peer support initiative.
Why is this important?
Peer support involves helping people in a planned and structured way. Many students want to help their friends and classmates, and there are some good reasons to consider peer support—like many students experience mental health concerns and don’t know where to go for help. Peer support programs can help students know the resources and supports around them.
There are some things to consider before launching a peer support program, such as what students need for peer support to be a positive experience. This resource offers information and tips to help ensure peer support is good fit for your school community.
How might I use this resource?
Peer support initiatives require the support of your school staff. If you are considering peer support, talk to a staff member at your school and let them know that School Mental Health Ontario has developed a decision support tool on Peer Support Initiatives to help guide their thinking.
How can I support mental health promotion at school?
Mental health support at school can involve many different initiatives – peer support is just one. Consider learning more, sharing resources, or adapting lessons plans (such as MH LIT: Student Mental Health in Action) to share information in your school.
