Peer Education Project (PEP) Overview

Giving young people the skills and knowledge they need to safeguard their mental health and that of their peers.

2 peer learners brainstorm ideas
A peer learner listens in a PEP lesson
3 peer learners collaborate

The Peer Education Project is a secondary school-based educational programme that aims to give young people the skills and knowledge they need to safeguard their mental health and that of their peers.

From my own personal experience working in the programme, it has helped me gain an understanding of everyone’s individual viewpoints, and helped me to explore new perspectives and ideas about mental health.

- Peer Educator

The Mental Health Foundation developed the programme in 2015. From 2015 to 2023, the evaluated programme was delivered to over 40,000 pupils in over 200 secondary schools across the UK and internationally.

The programme resources are now openly available for any school or organisation to use. The following information provides on overview of how you can implement the programme in your school. You will have access to pre-prepared lesson plans, training videos and guidance documents to support you to introduce PEP in your school.

How does PEP work?

You can deliver PEP in your school in 3 simple steps – with ready-to-use resources freely available to download.

Step 1

Staff leading the project complete a series of online training videos, which cover the key stages of the project. Project guidance resources are also available to support staff in planning project delivery.
2 "P"s in speech bubbles. The Peer Education Project logo

Step 2

The trained school staff recruit and train older pupils, known as Peer Educators, using the detailed training resources. Peer Educators are typically aged 15 and upwards.
2 peer educators stand at the front of the classroom

Step 3

Peer Educators deliver the mental health lessons to younger pupils, known as Peer Learners, using the detailed lesson plans and PowerPoint slides. Peer Learners are typically aged 14 and below.
A peer educator helps peer learners with an activity

Who is involved?

School staff

School Project Leads plan and deliver the project within the school. Project Support Staff assist with project delivery. Any member of staff can be involved in the project.
PEP school staff member smiles in front of the class

Peer Educators

Peer Educators are older pupils within the school, typically aged 15 and above, who are trained by the Project Leads to deliver the mental health lessons to Peer Learners.
2 peer educators are interviewed

Peer Learners

Peer Learners are younger pupils attending the lessons delivered by Peer Educators. Peer Learners are typically aged 11 to 14.
Peer learner listens and learns in class

PEP Curriculum

The lessons

Explore the 12 ready-to-use lesson plans and PowerPoint slides.

Peer Educators will be guided through each lesson, with plenty of options to still put their own stamp on delivery.
Explore lessons

The assemblies

Explore the 6 ready-to-use assembly plans and PowerPoint presentations, supporting your school to shine the spotlight on key mental health topics.
Explore assemblies

Project support

Guidance for staff

This guide provides an overview of key information and resources you will need to deliver the project within your school and support the staff training videos.
Download the guide

Guidance for Peer Educators

This handbook provides Peer Educators with an overview of the project and their role and responsibilities.
Download the handbook

Continue exploring

Project guidance and support

See the guidance on how to deliver the project.
Explore guidance

Mental health resources for schools, caregivers and young people

Explore further resources designed to support schools, education staff, caregivers and young people to look after their mental health and well-being.
Explore guidance & support