September 11, 2023

Health, Education, Social Inclusion and Equity, Active Citizenship

The peer educator provides an opportunity for youth to promote positive lifestyle choices among fellow youths as well as sharpen, practice and develop professional skills. A peer educator facilitates the raising of awareness, the learning of knowledge and change of behavior concerning health. This objective of the Peer Ed is to provide a safe space and learning environment for young people without fear of judgment, misunderstanding, harassment or abuse. To increase social connectedness and create a sense of belonging within supportive peer networks. To provide positive role models, positive peer influences and opportunities which help young people to develop a positive self concept, self acceptance and high self esteem. To prevent the onset or further development of mental health problems including depression, anxiety, self harm and suicidal ideation. To increase confidence and to develop and enhance communication and social skills. To empower young people to build personal resilience and improved help-seeking behavior through increased knowledge of available support, reduced stigma associated with mental health difficulties and help-seeking, the development of positive coping strategies and the development of skills needed to access help. To foster future thinking and optimism and to widen young people’s understanding and beliefs of the opportunities available to them.