Peer Support

Sometimes, it is easier for young people to talk to people their own age, which is why we have a dedicated system of peer support, well established at Saint Bede’s. Our school culture is one of respect and tolerance and nothing better demonstrates this than our Respect ambassadors. Trained in peer support by the Diana Award, our pupils are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment. As Respect Ambassadors, they provide compassionate assistance to their peers, offering help with mental health challenges, discussing personal or school-related concerns, addressing bullying issues, and navigating friendship difficulties. Their commitment ensures every pupil feels heard, valued, and supported. 

 Each week, the Respect Ambassadors host a lunchtime drop-in session to which all pupils are welcome. Between themselves, the Respect Ambassadors have ensured that this drop in is as welcoming as it can be, with mindfulness crafts such as bracelet making and knitting ,and cluster groups to ensure the room is not overwhelming to any newcomers. The pupils have also created a list of rules by which they run the drop in; they promise to be non-judgmental, kind, empathetic, considerate of others’ beliefs and open to all who attend. Their training with the Diana award has ensured that they know what to keep private and what needs sharing with staff. In this way, you can be sure that, whilst privacy will be respected, anything of a safeguarding nature will always be handled correctly.  

The Respect Ambassadors regularly visit form groups to raise awareness about the support they provide. Their visible presence, along with the blue ‘Diana Award’ badges they wear with pride, ensures they are easily recognisable and approachable throughout the school.