Type=image;ImageID=1689;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Kevin Pace and Cllr Phil Page with school representatives;TitleClass=strong;
Wolverhampton Peer Support Network held its annual Awards Event at S. Peter's Collegiate School, in Compton Park last week.
The event, which was opened by S. Peter's headteacher Adrian Richards, celebrated the good work that peer supporters have done in the city's primary schools, secondary schools, special schools, alternative providers, youth centres and community settings.
Councillor Phil Page, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Schools, Skills and Learning, was among those who presented 200 peer supporters with certificates and medals in recognition of their work. Guests were treated to performances by pupils and a special appearance from celebrity dance group Back2Back, who appeared on the popular Britain's Got Talent and Got To Dance TV shows.
Councillor Phil Page, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Schools, Skills and Learning, said: "I am delighted to have been invited to support such a prestigious event.
"This is more evidence of the great work being carried out by young people in our city and they all deserve this recognition.
"Wolverhampton Peer Support Network provides a hugely important service in schools across the city and it is very pleasing to see young people working to help fellow peers who might need this support."
The Network's Chair, Kevin Pace, Education Manager with the City Council's Schools, Skills and Learning Directorate said: "Young People all over the city are seeking opportunities to support other young people who may be heading down similar paths as them, or experiencing similar problems.
"National evidence has repeatedly shown that peer support can support strategies to address transition, bullying, inclusion and achievement, including narrowing the gap."
Wolverhampton Peer Support Network oversees mentoring, befriending and peer education schemes operating in many of the city's secondary and primary schools, as well as a variety of community, voluntary and youth settings.
Formed in July 2010, the Network has trained more than 1,200 young people through the accredited training scheme in partnership with national awarding body, ASDAN.
Issues that the mentors help to address include bullying, the transition to new schools, inclusion and helping improve attainment.
Further information on the Wolverhampton Peer Support Network can be obtained from Kevin Pace on 01902 550238 or its Co-ordinator, Sunita Pallan-Jhalli on 07754 152805, or at Type=links;Linkid=2124;Title=Wolverhampton Peer Support Network;Target=_blank;.
- released: Friday 5 July, 2013