Brockton High students now trained as peer mental health supporters

Dozens of students at Brockton High School are now trained to offer mental health support to their peers. The initiative, certified by the mental health education group Pinnacle Partnerships, equips teens with skills in conflict resolution and crisis intervention. Many students say they feel more at ease talking to friends than to adults about personal struggles. The training programme covers a range of issues, from self-harm and eating disorders to depression and bullying. Students also learn how to mediate conflicts and approach classmates who may be in distress. Role-playing sessions form a key part of the preparation, helping them practise real-life scenarios.

Princess Adedyon, one of the trained students, has already put her skills into action by assisting a friend in crisis. The school plans to expand the programme next year, aiming to double the number of trained students by including it in all health classes. Officials hope the initiative will create a stronger support network within the school. By increasing the number of trained peers, they believe more students will seek help when needed.

The programme has already shown early success, with students stepping in to support their classmates. Next year’s expansion will make mental health training available to even more pupils. School leaders expect this will lead to better awareness and quicker responses to mental health concerns among teens.