Young People Reach Peer Mentor Status with PEACE of Mind A special celebration event to recognise the achievement of five young people who have reached PEACE of Mind (PoM) Peer Mentor status was held yesterday at the Guild Hall in Derry/Londonderry. Those in attendance included the young people, representatives from The Hub, PoM partners; Verbal, Inspire Wellbeing and The Open University. Initially, the young people participated in a six week personal development programme that focused on both building resilience and promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. They were extremely focused on progressing their skills development and chose to take the opportunity to become Peer Mentors. By taking part in the mentoring programme the young people will have learned what being a mentor means, developed their interpersonal skills and practiced co-facilitation methods. Cedar Head of Community Inclusion Service, Clair Whiteside said, Today is about celebrating all PoM participants, in particular recognising the personal growth and achievement of the Peer Mentors and the added value they will bring when co-facilitating future personal development progammes. "I am happy to become a peer mentor as it means I can become a voice and support to all people with disabilities who would like to take part in PEACE of Mind Programme." It is so important for young people to feel comfortable when talking about mental health and wellbeing and these opportunities should be accessible for all, the Peace of Mind programme supports this.” HUB Programme Facilitator, Claire Quinn said, The Personal Development Programme was a really worthwhile experience for our young people, you can never know too much about your emotions and how to support positive wellbeing. The peer mentors are a real asset to the HUB, as they are developing the confidence and knowledge to support their peers. The PEACE of Mind is a regional personal development programme delivered across a six-week period and designed to enhance the emotional resilience and wellbeing of young people aged 9-25. The project aims to enhance the capacity of all children and young people with disabilities, brain injuries and autism to form positive and effective relationships with others from different cultural and religious backgrounds. It provides opportunities for skills development, community inclusion, improved social connections and health and wellbeing. PEACE of Mind is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Please find the link to the SEPUB website here: SEUPB | SEUPB If would like to find out more about the PoM project and including our work with Special Schools please contact Geraint on: [email protected]. PEACE of Mind Project Launches to support Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing | The Cedar Foundation