Peer-to-peer programmes are a methodology used to provide support and assistance to a CYP, where other CYP are actively engaged in providing assistance to their peers. This can be around a single issue, such as education or awareness raising on a specific topic, or more generalised, for example, providing emotional support and friendship.
Peer-to-peer support differs from peer relationships in that it is a structured approach, not something that develops organically. Peer supporters can have direct experience of the issue themselves – for example, refugee CYP supporting other child migrants – but this need not be the case. CYP who are not refugees can also play a role in supporting children who are migrants, for example in relation to integration and understanding of the host community, and can foster links within the community.
Peer-to-peer programmes are helpful both for CYP who provide the 'support' (in whatever form that takes) and for those being supported. For those being supported, the programme can provide a valuable route to addressing their complex needs and also begin the process of establishing links within the community. For the CYP who is supporting, peer-to-peer can help children gain additional skills, increase confidence and sense of self-worth, and give them a feeling of being able to make a difference. These are all factors which contribute to enhancing resilience.
The strength of peer-to-peer lies particularly in CYP's ability to relate to another CYP who they may feel has a greater understanding of their situation and feelings. Specifically in relation to abuse, it is known that children often disclose first to their friends and peers, and, further, that children are initially more likely to confide in those who are of their own age.
Ways in which peer-to-peer programmes support migrant children may include:
- Education and awareness on specific topics – for example safety and cultural norms.
- Non-formal education and support around language development and schooling/training.
- Providing emotional support.
- Helping CYP to develop friendship networks.
- Supporting CYP in raising concerns and reporting abuse.
The nature and type of activity included in any peer-to-peer programme depends on its purpose. Some schemes may be looser (enabling CYP to access as and when required on an ad hoc basis) and others more structured. Some may consider only one topic, others may be more open and reflexive according to the needs of the specific CYP who is being supported. Some schemes may use a one-to-one approach (one supporter for each CYP being supported) while others may prefer a group approach where two or three supporters are involved per child or young person supported.
Another difference between peer-to-peer programmes is the extent to which CYP are involved in the programme beyond providing assistance. For example, are they involved in setting the parameters for the programme and its working practices, and participate in or are responsible for managing and reviewing? Involving CYP in broader aspects of the peer-to-peer programme takes considerable skill, thought and planning, but can lead to programmes which are more targeted and appropriate because CYP understand the needs of other (migrant) children and can therefore ensure that programmes meet those needs.
Good practice for peer-to-peer programmes
- A clear strategy for recruitment of supporters. This will depend on each programme, but it is important to ensure safeguards are in place so that CYP are not harmed. For example, in a programme providing emotional support, consideration needs to be given to the emotional and psychological health of the supporter. It may be too soon for CYP who are still dealing with their own experiences to help others.
- Establish parameters for the purpose and extent of the programme – what its aims are and what it will not do.
- Training and ongoing support for peer supporters. They need to be prepared for their role, but also need to know how to access support for themselves and to feel that they are also being looked after. A framework for supervision and support should be in place to monitor their activities.
- Clear guidance on confidentiality and the limits to this. Peer supporters may be confided in, but they need to know what issues must be referred.
- Robust safeguarding procedures with rules regarding where support can take place, when, and what issues can be covered.
- Identified route for those who have been supported who wish to become peer supporters.
- Longer-term funding for organisations to ensure that peer-to-peer programmes can continue and capitalise on investment made.
Working appropriately and safely is critical in peer-to-peer programmes. In every peer-to-peer scenario, there are at least two CYP engaged in the process. It is essential that both children are safeguarded and that the best interests of both are considered and promoted.
Peer-to-peer in practice
The Swedish Association for Unaccompanied Minors (SEF) is a non-profit youth organisation that was founded in 2015. It is a member-led association and the members and the board consist of young people between age 12 and 26 who are new to Sweden. The main goal of the organisation is to promote children and young people's establishment in society by offering community support through meeting places and leisure activities. It works actively to broaden young people's networks in Sweden to promote integration in Swedish society.
Resources
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Peer support for young migrants and refugees
Children and Young People Now (2019)
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TdH MINT project: The peer-to-peer mentoring project
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Peer-to-peer support for volunteer guardians for UASC
UNICEF, UNHCR, CIR and Penc Center (2019). Peer-to-peer support as a methodology for those supporting UASC: support groups focused on facilitating the sharing of participants' experiences.
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