Peer Support Foundation of SA
Basics
Home
Workshops
Philosophy
Basic Model
Benefits
Curriculum
Employment
Comments
History
Contact Details:
peersupport@mac.com
Kaye Iversen
Executive Officer
Basic Model
The Foundation runs 2 day workshops to train individuals in an environment where they can experience group development with a social skill acquisition focus. The workshops address the content, skills and implementation steps of a Peer Support Program. Usually schools train the teaching staff who will then train and support the students in the school.The trained volunteer staff are able to return to their school and train the volunteer senior students ready for leadership of the small family size groups of younger students. The training of the group leaders requires a minimum time allocation of twelve hours, and follows the same sequence of topics as the staff training. The topics include cooperation, communication, feelings and emotions, relationships, discussion group techniques, decision making, problem solving, and self awareness.
Once the student group leaders have been trained they are then able to begin regular lesson sessions with their small stable groups. The topics the groups cover follows through in the same manner as the training of the group leaders. The activities within the topics vary to met the needs of the groups and the school community.
The group leaders meet on a regular basis to share ideas, discuss problems, practice, plan and evaluate the program along with the support staff. The organisation of this aspect varies depending on the circumstances but can be integrated into the school curriculum.
The Program has a methodology which allows for flexibility to suit individual environments and meet the needs of those involved. What remains the same in all circumstances is:
- the stable groups are small in size with trained older students working with younger students
- the group takes the responsibility for their learning within the framework of the topic progression
- the support staff monitor and assist the students in their endeavours to improve their own personal and social living skills.