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Caring students are giving their peers the opportunity to discuss any problems in a relaxed and informal environment.

Student leaders at Epping St John’s Church of England School wanted to offer support to those who may be struggling with any aspect of life.

They have launched peer mentoring sessions for more vulnerable students in the Hive, a library area created to have a homely feel.

Sarah Viccars, assistant headteacher and director of learning, said: “Students have been invited to a Hive Coffee Morning as organised by those within their student leadership role. It runs during form time for targeted students who require support and mentoring from our Student Leadership Team.

“The concept is that it’s an informal place for vulnerable students to discuss anxieties among other students and receive advice from older students who may have experienced similar issues.

“It’s a great thing the Welfare Leaders are setting up, particularly for those who might not want to talk to a teacher and would prefer to talk to another student.”

Student leaders undertook training with Kidscape to learn how to be peer mentors, learning about not making promises, reporting concerns, the questions they can and cannot ask and providing a support network to those who may not have one elsewhere.

Miss Viccars said: “I am so proud of our student leaders. In general, they are just exceptional. The work really well as a team and are so ambitious with a long list of what they want to achieve.”