Up2U, based in Peebles, is a peer education project that serves the young people of Tweeddale and deals with issues relating to drugs, alcohol and sexual health.

The initial idea for the project began in 1998 when several young people approached the local community police officer because they wanted to be able to access information about drug and alcohol use and misuse.

After discussion it was decided to develop a peer education project and Peebles High School was approached to be involved in the project.

Young people at the school were recruited to become peer educators with 17 S3 pupils being selected to start the project. These young people were chosen because they were good communicators with different skills and experiences.

It was identified by the group that they wanted a wide range of personalities and skills and that the group should not be made up only of ‘high achievers’.

Information

The basic aim of the project is to provide confidential information on alcohol, drugs and sexual health issues to young people in Tweeddale. The principle behind the project is that all young people should have access to accurate information so that they are then able to make their own informed decisions.

The Young People’s Advocacy Project has been set up as a pilot project in conjunction with the Border Independent Advocacy Service (BIAS), which provides specialist information, support and advice for people with learning difficulties and mental health problems.  Through its advocacy service, it can offer independent support for anyone who would like help in having their views represented. 

Partners in this project include Peebles High School, the school nursing service, home-school link, voluntary sector organisations and parents and carers.

Staff and pupils in the high school have been involved in the launch of the project and information about it has been shared with pupils in all years. A survey of pupils was conducted to gain pupils’ perception of need and transition was most often identified as a time when support was felt to be lacking.