Sometimes, knowing someone is in your corner can make all the difference.

For a young person navigating school life, having someone who listens, notices and genuinely cares can have a huge impact. It's one of the reasons we're so passionate about peer mentoring at Phase.

On Thursday 22 October, we celebrated 22 brilliant students from Hitchin Girls' School who completed their peer mentoring training with Phase.

We were delighted to welcome His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE CStJ, and Vice Lord-Lieutenant Dr Sally Burton DL, who presented the students with certificates and badges, recognising their commitment to supporting others.

Young people making a difference

Over the past six years, more than 150 students at Hitchin Girls' School have been trained as peer mentors through Phase.

These young people offer friendship, encouragement and a listening ear to younger students, helping them feel connected, valued and supported.

When young people feel they belong and know someone cares, it can strengthen their wellbeing, confidence and engagement with school. This creates opportunities for better educational outcomes and brighter futures.

One of the most encouraging things we've heard is that many students choose to become peer mentors because they once had one themselves.

They remember the difference someone made in their lives, and now they want to do the same for others.

That's the ripple effect we love seeing.

Equipping young people to support others

At Phase, we're passionate about helping young people thrive. But we don't want to stop at supporting them. We want to equip them to make a difference in the lives of others.

Molly Rackham, Phase Wellbeing Lead, who delivers the programme, said:

"These students have embraced their training with enthusiasm, maturity and compassion. It's been fantastic to see them grow in confidence, and I'm proud of the difference they are making."

We're grateful to James Crowther, Headteacher, and Trudy Hankin, Pastoral Assistant, for championing this programme at Hitchin Girls' School. We're also thankful to the Simon Gibson Charitable Trust for helping make it possible.

Help us make a difference

Every young person deserves to know someone cares and that they're not facing life's challenges alone.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we can continue investing in young people who, in turn, invest in others.

If this story has encouraged you, we'd love you to be part of helping more young lives thrive.

Whether through a donation, becoming a regular supporter or sharing our story, your support makes a difference.

Together, we're building resilience in young lives for brighter tomorrows.

Never miss a Phase blog post - subscribe here