Peer-based youth programs are diverse and include peer education, peer mentoring and peer support. Their common feature is the active participation and involvement of peers to enhance well-being and influence positive development among young people.
Before implementing a peer-based program it is important to reflect on your organisational culture and experience, your target group, how you will define a ‘peer’ and whether you’ve got the resources to effectively run a peer-based program.
There is a lot to think about when running peer-based programs including maintaining a safe space for young people, recruiting, training and supporting the peer supporters, ensuring meaningful youth participation and ethical practice.