Peer education & volunteering
Learning from each other
Peer education is based on the belief that young people often learn effectively when the message is given by other young people. This way of working is also beneficial to the personal and social development of the peer educator.
Personal development
With training peer educators develop the confidence, skills and knowledge to deliver a session. The process is one of personal development, increasing self-esteem and gaining skills that are transferable to future work or training. Peer educators gain confidence from each other by delivering and shadowing sessions with Fast Forward staff.
Young voices
Peer education is often used with topics that may be considered difficult to approach. Sexual health, drugs and alcohol education, bullying and other ‘sensitive’ issues are approached from the young person’s perspective.
National network
We support peer education projects across Scotland through operating SPEN.
Making a difference
Our volunteers ensure that we remain relevant to the needs of young people. Volunteers get involved in a variety of projects including researching potential areas for work, designing materials and creating resources and assisting in programs.They can run workshops at a variety of events and promote the benefits of volunteering for young people.
Developing life skills
There is no set length of time for involvement, some remain for a few months and some stay for years. Support is given to help volunteers move on to whatever destination they feel is best suited.
Peer education is based on the belief that young people...
Gemma's perspective
“As a 17 year old without any experience I was offered lots of voluntary work by local organisations, but nothing really to do with youth work. I was particularly interested in the idea of young person to young person education about drugs and alcohol because my school education on this hadn’t been so great. I had seen many of my friends end up in risky situations with alcohol, mostly due to lack of understanding. During my time within the volunteer team I received training which gave me communication, facilitation, presentation skills and confidence. As a volunteer I got the chance to shadow more experienced volunteers and work with the staff of Fast Forward. This gave me insight into how projects are run and different ways to work with young people.”
Gemma went on to complete a one year Project Scotland placement and at the end of her placement she remained involved with the project as a volunteer support worker.
“I had almost 3 years experience of working with young people but found it difficult to gain employment because I had no qualifications. When a job as a development officer at Fast Forward became available – the volunteer’s manager encouraged me to apply.”
Gemma has been employed by Fast Forward since 2009 using the skills and knowledge she gained as a volunteer to educate young people and adults throughout Edinburgh.
Read more from
Gemma's perspective
Gemma began to volunteer with Fast Forward
