The training gives thousands of students from across the region the option to seek support from a peer when they are experiencing mental health problems or low well-beingA total of 151 students from 12 schools took part in the Peer Supporters Training Programme by Scottish Action for Mental Health .
Participating students also plan sessions where peer supporters develop ideas for regular well-being drop-in sessions, with activities featured so far including podcasting on mental health, practicing self-care, and arts and crafts sessions such as crafting stress balls.The training had an overwhelmingly positive response, with 95 percent of trainees self-rating their understanding of mental health as high after training – a rise from the 52 percent pre-training.
Miss McDonald, a teacher at Calderside Academy, said: “The SAMH training has had such a positive impact at Calderside Academy.