Mental health is an ever increasing concern in our present society, with rates soaring over the past decade. Around 10% of under-15s have a mental health disorder (with depression and anxiety related conditions being most common) – this is a disturbingly large figure which many are surprisingly unaware of. Mental health conditions are largely affiliated with the matured members of our society such as middle-aged men, however many fail to realise that adolescents or perhaps younger may too struggle with these psychologically-concerned conditions.
I have spoken to a member of staff associated with the Peer Mentoring scheme, who explains to me the following, in her opinion: “I feel there is much more being undertaken to promote mental health issues at the moment; raised awareness with campaigns on TV, and lessons in school. However, the main issue is funding; more money needs to be devoted to this area, in terms of research and support for those who suffer with mental health problems. Only when this is achieved can there be further progress.”
In an effort to support students with their well-being, the Peer Mentoring scheme has been successfully initiated at Nonsuch High School for Girls. The member of staff goes on to clarify precisely what this scheme entails: “There are about 30 peer mentors from the Years 10-12. The mentors are referred students, based on a specific issue which a member of staff has raised. Students can and have referred themselves too. I undertake the introductory meeting and then the students, in pairs, meet with their mentees once a week. A teacher is not present at this meeting, but the mentors are fully trained and have been briefed that if a serious problem/issue is disclosed they must share that with me. I liaise with the mentors to ensure that everything is running smoothly. The mentors are carefully chosen, as the job entails skills such as: discretion, integrity, empathy and professionalism.”
The pressure of a combination of expectations, work-load and grades can on occasion overwhelm certain students in this day and age and thus it is essential for a supportive scheme such as Peer Mentors to be available to fall back on in times of need. This is further expounded by the member of staff’s outlook, who feels that: “The scheme enables students to speak to their peers about issues, such as coping with the pressures of work, and friendship problems. This is valuable as the students may have been through similar experiences to themselves, and are therefore able to provide support and useful tips.”
The mental well-being of adolescents and pre-teens is a concern which should not be taken lightly, especially with the pressures of today’s generation. Peer Mentoring is an ideal scheme in regards to dealing with well-being issues directly and on a level which is effective for students. Therefore, schools as well as communities should look to develop a scheme similar to and as effective as that of the esteemed Peer Mentoring scheme of Nonsuch High School for Girls.
Aalia Qureshi
Nonsuch High School for Girls
