MBF to launch new Peer Support Service 

From January 2011 the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation (MBF) will be expanding its provision of services for schools by introducing a peer support package. This new service builds on the successful peer mentoring programme that the MBF has already delivered to over 1,000 schools.

The programme will offer a range of advice, guidance and training across the peer support spectrum, which includes peer mediation, peer education, peer listening, peer mentoring, ‘buddies’ and playground pals. 

This exciting new package has been developed with the support of the NSPCC, who will no longer be delivering their ChildLine in Partnerships (CHIPs) to schools from December 2010, as they get ready to roll out a new schools service from next year in line with their strategy to 2016.

Steve Matthews, Chief Executive of MBF says: 
“We are delighted to be taking over this service.  By incorporating CHIPs into our own programme, we hope that in time we will be able to provide a package of support to schools across the UK.  We will continue to work closely with the NSPCC to promote ChildLine and other NSPCC services”.

Over recent years peer support has increased in popularity and been introduced in a significant number of schools where it is making a valuable contribution to the overall ethos of schools and their pastoral support systems.  Appropriate peer support increases the opportunity for personal and social development of children whether it is used help build the confidence of younger pupils, support those who are being bullied or victimized or simply to provide additional learning support.

The provision of peer support also offers a cost effective and sustainable method to raising the achievement and aspirations of children and young people as well as supporting their development.   Good quality support in schools can also help to alleviate some of the workload for teachers, allowing them to focus on teaching and learning. 

Peter Liver, Acting Director of ChildLine Services says: 
"We are encouraged and heartened that the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation will be incorporating the innovative ChildLine in Partnerships (CHIPs) into their 2011 programme. It has been our pleasure to support the team to develop this. We will now focus our efforts on primary school children as part the NSPCC's strategy to 2016, and we will of course continue to be someone to turn to for any child through our ChildLine service. It's an exciting thing to work together for the welfare of children. The NSPCC wishes MBF ongoing success with this endeavour."
 
The MBF will be launching its new service from January 2011.  

MBF is a national charity that encourages the growth and development of mentoring and befriending programmes throughout England.  The MBF works in partnership with schools, colleges and a range of voluntary sector support networks providing training, resources, accreditation and guidance. 

The NSPCC is the UK’s leading children's charity specialising in child protection. Our vision is to end cruelty to children in the UK and we make a difference for all children by standing up for their rights, listening to them, helping them when they need us and by making them safe. The NSPCC runs projects and services across the United Kingdom and Channel Islands, including ChildLine, the UK’s free, confidential 24-hour helpline for children and young people and the NSPCC Helpline for adults concerned about the safety of a child. 

To find how the MBF can support schools in setting up a peer support programme across the UK visit www.mandbf.org.uk/projects/ or contact Sarah Willey on 0161 787 8600.