Peer Mediation is a way of involving young people in managing conflict using non-threatening and co-operative methods that promote inclusiveness, respect and self-esteem. It involves 2 trained mediators guiding those in conflict through a series of steps so that they can find a way of resolving their problem.

In post primary schools staff deliver a personal social education programme introducing the skills of Peer Mediation to all year 8s. Following the PSE programme pupils have the opportunity to apply to become mediators. These pupils then participate in 2 days training in the mediation process.

In primary schools children participate in 6 workshops teaching co-operation, mediation skills and the peer mediation process. Pupils then apply to be peer mediators.

Include Youth have developed 2 teaching manual for post primary and primary schools. The post primary manual includes the PSE programme which covers negotiating ground rules, developing listening and communication skills, co-operation skills and learning about the peer mediation process. This manual also contains facilitator and student notes for the 2 days mediator training. It also has relevant forms for establishing Peer Mediation.

The primary school manual sets out how a mediation service can be established, 6 training workshops and relevant forms.

A video has also been produced to provide an overview to schools on how peer mediations can be established. It answer Frequently Asked Questions by interviewing staff and young people who have been involved in Peer Mediation.

Include Youth has also piloted Peer Mediation in a non-formal education setting and has published a manual for introducing peer mediation to young people.

The project has now formally ended however we do aim to continue to promote Peer Mediation, facilitate the peer mediation website and respond to training requests.

The Education Training Inspectorate carried out a Quality Assurance Inspection on the project in 2003, copies are available from the Department of Education and can be downloaded from the Department's website www.deni.gov.uk.

You can also download Include Youth's end of project Evaluation Report.
Download Peer Mediation Evaluation Report