By Derek Cornet

Peer support program at CCHS recognized with grant

Jan 14, 2019 | 4:00 PM

A student led initiative at Churchill Community High School was recognized with a $2,000 grant this morning during a special presentation in the gymnasium.

The recipient of the Share2Care grant was the school’s peer support program, which includes 11 student volunteers in multiple grades. According to a media release, there were 224 applications through Physical Health and Education Canada (PHEC) requesting funding, but only five schools including Churchill were chosen. It also stated the Share2Care campaign aims to recognize and share unique, innovating and promising mental health practices that make a positive impact on students, school staff and the community.

“The reason I’m here today is to recognize Churchill school for their peer support program,” PHEC Saskatchewan representative Phil Wilson said. “What’s happening here is pretty special.”

In order to join the peer support program, students need to be nominated by other students to become involved. Career guidance counsellor Marian Andrews, who assists with the program, said the students chosen to be part of the group are deemed by others to be respectful, trustworthy and good role models. She stated if a student goes up to one of the volunteers with an issue, they know the volunteer isn’t going to share it with others and will point them in the right direction.

Andrews noted the peer support program was formed about three years ago after several students from the school committed suicide. She added aside from counselling peers, the volunteers also organize events regarding mental and sexual health, as well as attend training to become more effective in their roles. Andrews said the cash donated at the presentation, which included an additional $250 from The Co-operators, will be used to facilitate a three-day training workshop in May which peer support volunteers will attend.

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“We’re going to get more identifying clothing for the kids and also pay for some of our travel to meet with other peer support groups to network,” Andrews said about the grant. “We also give out a lot of prizes at the functions we run.”

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno