Peer mentoring. Matching and caring. 1

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Description

North Manchester High School for Girls launched its matched-pair peer mentoring scheme in January 2007 to provide mentors for vulnerable Year 7s - those identified as being susceptible to bullying or having the potential to become bullies. The project is run by Rukhsana Ahmed, Assistant Head in charge of Inclusion, as part of the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation pilot. We visit early in the new academic year, and talk to Rukhsana and meet three matched pairs to find out what the challenges are in setting up a peer mentoring scheme, how the matched pair model works in practice, and what its benefits and limitations are. We also learn from the students what they think of peer mentoring and how their relationships have developed. Rukhsana is supported in her role by Deborah Wynn, the Regional Peer Mentoring Coordinator, who provides regular advice and encouragement, and is guiding Rukhsana towards establishing a sustainable evaluation system.