Peer Mentoring & Student Wellbeing ProgramS
Supporting Students to Connect, Engage & Thrive
Young Leaders Youth Services’ In-School Peer Support & Wellbeing Program is designed to provide young people with a safe, supportive and consistent space within the school environment where they can feel heard, understood and valued. We recognise that disengagement from school is often connected to challenges that extend beyond the classroom. Young people may experience difficulties with emotional regulation, relationships, family circumstances, social pressures, confidence, behaviour, attendance or simply feeling that they do not belong within the school environment. Our role is to work alongside students and the school to identify these barriers early and provide practical, relationship-based support.
Through positive mentoring, peer support, wellbeing check-ins, individual engagement and structured activities, our mentors focus on building genuine and professional relationships with students. Having a trusted person available within the school can provide students with an opportunity to unpack what they are experiencing, regulate their emotions, reflect on their choices and receive encouragement before challenges escalate into disengagement, classroom disruption, suspension or school refusal. A key focus of the program is ensuring young people feel supported and validated while still being encouraged to take accountability, develop resilience and make positive choices. Rather than simply responding to challenging behaviour, we aim to understand what may be contributing to it and work with the young person to develop healthier strategies for communicating, managing emotions, resolving conflict and remaining engaged in their education.
The program also provides additional support to teachers, wellbeing teams and other school staff. Teachers play an important role in supporting students but are also responsible for managing the learning and wellbeing needs of an entire classroom. Our mentors can provide an additional layer of support by engaging students who may be struggling, helping them regulate and refocus, and supporting their transition back into learning. Most importantly, we believe positive outcomes are achieved when students, families, teachers, wellbeing teams and mentors work together. Our goal is not to replace the important role of teachers or existing school wellbeing services, but to complement them by providing another trusted connection around the young person.
By creating a collaborative support network within the school, we aim to help students:
- Feel safe, heard, respected and valued within their school community.
- Develop positive relationships with trusted adults and peers.
- Improve emotional regulation, communication and conflict-resolution skills.
- Build confidence, resilience, accountability and a sense of belonging.
- Reduce patterns of disengagement, behavioural incidents and unnecessary time away from learning.
- Re-engage following challenging moments and successfully return to the classroom.
- Recognise the importance of education and develop goals for their future.
- Remain motivated and determined to continue attending and participating in school.
Our approach is centred on connection before correction. When a young person feels that someone genuinely listens to them, believes in their potential and is willing to walk alongside them through challenges, they are more likely to remain connected to their school community and see a pathway forward. Ultimately, the In-School Peer Support & Wellbeing Program is about creating a stronger partnership between young people, schools and community-based supports. Together, we can provide early intervention, strengthen engagement and give young people the encouragement, tools and positive relationships they need to stay connected, stay engaged and continue moving forward with their education.
Why Peer Support Works
Students feel heard, understood and valued
Peer support provides students with a trusted person they can connect with when they are struggling emotionally, socially or within the classroom. Creating a safe space where young people can express themselves without feeling judged can strengthen their sense of belonging and help them feel that their experiences matter. When students feel heard and supported, they can be more willing to remain connected with school and work through challenges rather than disengaging.
Early support can prevent problems from escalating
Having mentors available within the school allows concerns to be addressed early. A student who is becoming overwhelmed, frustrated or disengaged can receive support to regulate their emotions, unpack what has happened and develop strategies to move forward. This can help reduce classroom disruption, conflict and time away from learning while supporting students to successfully re-engage with their education.
It provides another layer of support for teachers
Teachers are responsible for educating an entire classroom while also responding to the individual wellbeing and behavioural needs of students. In-school peer support provides an additional layer of assistance. Mentors can work alongside teachers and wellbeing teams to support students who require more individual attention, helping the young person regulate, reconnect and return to learning while allowing teachers to remain focused on the wider classroom.
Positive relationships can change a young person’s direction
Sometimes one consistent, positive relationship can have a significant influence on a young person’s outlook. Through mentoring and peer support, students can develop confidence, resilience, communication skills, accountability and healthier ways of managing challenges. Having someone consistently encourage them, recognise their strengths and believe in their future can help young people develop a stronger sense of purpose and see education as an important part of achieving their goals.