Pupil mentors share experiences

Youngsters who have learnt how to help fellow pupils deal with problems such as bullying, health concerns and drugs will be sharing their experiences.

The children in Northumberland have trained to be peer educators or mentors who can help other pupils find the help they need.

They will take part in a conference of staff and pupils from the county to help other schools develop the scheme.

The event will be held next week at the Centre for Life, in Newcastle.

The scheme is supported by Northumberland Care Trust, the National College for School Leadership, Change Makers and Prudhoe Community High School.

'Offering support'

The event will include workshops on drugs, alcohol and tobacco and mediation techniques and some will be run by pupils.

Prudhoe Community High School head of year 10, Camilla Whiteley, said: "The pupils are trained by health education and education specialists and then are available as supportive friends to other young people.

"They can signpost where help can be obtained for problems and they can also mediate in problems arising from bullying or bullying incidents.

"It's not about giving advice but about listening and offering support. Often young people will find it easier to talk to people of their own age about problems or difficulties."