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Principles of Good Practice in Peer Support Projects  'Peer support begins with the natural willingness of most young people to act in a co-operative, friendly way towards one another. Peer support systems build on this intrinsic quality and create structures which facilitate the young person's potential for responsibility, sensitivity and empathic caring' Cowie and Sharp 1996    Children and young people are central to the project Projects are part of a whole-school approach which promotes a positive and supportive ethos Projects involve the active commitment of more than one member of staff Children and young people are provided with the skills to support each other more effectively The self -esteem of children and young people is promoted Confidentiality (including Child Protection issues) as set out in the Children Act 1989 is adhered to by all involved, and covered in training and supervision Clear objectives boundaries and ground rules are established for all aspects of the project, after discussion and agreement with the children and young people involved A clear, known policy and criteria are established for selecting young people who are to be peer supporters There is equal access and opportunities for all children and young people to be involved in projects, and/or training All parents/carers are kept informed about the project and their children's participation in it Projects should be regularly monitored and evaluated to ensure that objectives are being met and principles adhered to Young people receive appropriate ongoing training Those involved in training young people must receive appropriate training and support Peer supporters receive appropriate and regular supervision by trained adults There is liaison with local and national agencies to support projects