Peer Support Group Analysis
Having moved from Los Angeles to Philadelphia, I have been able to bring my knowledge and experience with peer support groups to Great Valley High School.
As my first few weeks at Great Valley High School went by, I noticed that the school lacked a peer support club. Furthermore, I decided that I would attempt to establish a club of that sort. I took my ideas to the school’s student services counselor, Miss Trimble, who enthusiastically supported them. She then stated that another student, Graham Dore, had just recently brought forth similar ideas and suggested that a meeting be held between the three of us: the meeting between Graham, Miss Trimble, and I was held soon after. We sat together and shared our prospective ideas for what the each
of us believed to be fundamental aspects and purposes of the club. After two hours, we decided that our club, Allied Minds, would be established to help spread awareness of the many mental health issues prevalent in today’s teen society. It would also provide students with a judgment-free place to discuss their circumstances.
Since its official establishment in March of 2017, Allied Minds has grown substantially; we went from having two members (Graham and I) to having 37 in only four months! Our weekly meetings were packed to capacity with teens who yearned to discuss their situations with people legitimately willing to listen, understand, and think of possible solutions with them. We even organized a table at which we, members of Allied Minds, stood and informed people of a different mental health issue every single week of May (Mental Health Month)! I continue to work behind the scenes, doing the necessary research and planning to ensure that our group remains true to its purpose. To promote mental health awareness further, we plan to incorporate a monthly statement into our school’s morning announcements. Individuals have personally told me that the group has had a significantly positive impact on their lives and even prevented them from inflicting damage unto themselves. It brings me great joy to know that the group is helpful in such a way and I hope that this statement remains true many years from now.
As my first few weeks at Great Valley High School went by, I noticed that the school lacked a peer support club. Furthermore, I decided that I would attempt to establish a club of that sort. I took my ideas to the school’s student services counselor, Miss Trimble, who enthusiastically supported them. She then stated that another student, Graham Dore, had just recently brought forth similar ideas and suggested that a meeting be held between the three of us: the meeting between Graham, Miss Trimble, and I was held soon after. We sat together and shared our prospective ideas for what the each
of us believed to be fundamental aspects and purposes of the club. After two hours, we decided that our club, Allied Minds, would be established to help spread awareness of the many mental health issues prevalent in today’s teen society. It would also provide students with a judgment-free place to discuss their circumstances.
Since its official establishment in March of 2017, Allied Minds has grown substantially; we went from having two members (Graham and I) to having 37 in only four months! Our weekly meetings were packed to capacity with teens who yearned to discuss their situations with people legitimately willing to listen, understand, and think of possible solutions with them. We even organized a table at which we, members of Allied Minds, stood and informed people of a different mental health issue every single week of May (Mental Health Month)! I continue to work behind the scenes, doing the necessary research and planning to ensure that our group remains true to its purpose. To promote mental health awareness further, we plan to incorporate a monthly statement into our school’s morning announcements. Individuals have personally told me that the group has had a significantly positive impact on their lives and even prevented them from inflicting damage unto themselves. It brings me great joy to know that the group is helpful in such a way and I hope that this statement remains true many years from now.