Empowering Peers to Enhance Inclusion

Empowering Peers:

A Structured Model to Enhance Inclusion is a practical, strengths-based approach designed to support children and young people who may be vulnerable to social isolation, exclusion, or difficulties in their relationships with others. The programme is founded on the belief that peers are a powerful and often underutilised resource in promoting positive change, belonging and wellbeing.

This training equips school staff with the knowledge, skills and confidence to establish and facilitate structured peer support networks that foster acceptance, understanding and genuine inclusion. Participants will explore how to harness the positive influence of peer relationships to improve social, emotional, behavioural and wellbeing outcomes for children and young people.

Learning Outcomes

Particpants will:

1. Gain an understanding of the principles and processes of the Empowering Peers approach and identify how structured peer support can promote inclusion, belonging and positive social, emotional and behavioural outcomes for children and young people.

2. Know how to plan, establish and facilitate a peer support intervention within their school setting, using practical strategies to develop peer understanding, strengthen relationships and support vulnerable pupils through structured, time-bound sessions.

Session 1:

Venue: Newry Teachers Centre

Address: Downshire Road Newry BT34 1EE

Date 20th October 2026

Time: 9.30am-1pm

Session 2:

Venue: Finaghy Youth Centre

Address: 59 - 73 Finaghy Road South Belfast BT10 0BY

Date: 6th November 2026

Time: 9.30am-1pm