A spotlight on our Peer Listeners on World Mental Health Day

As we mark World Mental Health Day, today is a good moment to highlight one of the pupil-led elements of St Edward’s Wellbeing Programme and Pastoral Care at the School: our Sixth Form Peer Listeners who are specially-trained to mentor younger pupils.

The role of Peer Listeners is to provide pupils with a more informal and less conspicuous method of aiding them with their concerns. In many cases it is much easier for a pupil to confide in a fellow pupil. The Peer Listeners receive specialist training, teaching them to listen to and support their peers.

The School community undoubtedly benefits from the Peer Listeners programme: pupils are able to access clearly-signposted and specially-trained peer support; Peer Listeners develop personally in learning new skills, taking on this role, and championing good mental health; and the overall wellbeing of the school community is supported by this example of how pupils alongside staff are committed to helping each other.

Other elements of the Wellbeing Programme include every year group having one lesson a week on wellbeing (an enhanced version of the national PSHE programme) and every pupil having a personal Tutor with whom to discuss all aspects of school life.

Alongside this, the Pastoral Care team offers help beyond the classroom and from across the School – from the Housemaster or Housemistress (HM), an Assistant HM, a Resident Tutor, a Matron and the House team supported by the Pastoral and Safeguarding Deputy Heads, the School Doctor, the Director of Wellbeing, the School Psychologist, the School Counsellor, the Chaplaincy Team, the Health Centre and a dedicated House Nurse.