Heroes Journey
Welcome to the Heroes Journey
The Heroes Journey is an innovative and transformative peer mentoring programme meticulously designed by humanutopia to empower young people and foster a trauma-informed school environment where every child is seen, heard, and supported.
At the heart of our Heroes Journey lies the vision of nurturing resilient, compassionate and empowered young leaders equipped to address the intricate dynamics among their peers. This programme is intricately woven with elements that facilitate a deepened understanding of the peer mentoring role in trauma-informed schools.
Peer mentoring has proven to be a pivotal cornerstone in the evolution of trauma-informed schools. Young people, equipped with understanding and empathy, become instrumental pillars of support for their peers. They are not just bystanders but active participants in creating a nurturing environment where students thrive despite the adversities they face.
In this immersive programme, two distinct year groups embark on a profound journey of mutual growth, learning, and empowerment. Under the guidance of our experienced facilitators, student heroes explore the realms of self-discovery, communication mastery, and empathetic engagement. They are immersed in real-life scenarios, where they hone their skills and become beacons of support and inspiration.
Heroes Training helps the volunteer heroes discover the skills they will need to help make a difference to themselves and other people. We initially look at influencing factors and what attributes they will need to become successful. They will gain confidence in speaking in small groups, 1:1 etc.
We provide all resources for the heroes to help in tutor time, ongoing mentoring and, for example, running assemblies.
Trauma-Informed Schools and Peer Mentoring – The Synergy
In the evolving narrative of trauma-informed schools, peer mentoring stands as a testament to the power of empathy, understanding, and support. The “Heroes Journey” is meticulously crafted, integrating evidence-based methodologies and real-life application to equip students in becoming the empathetic anchors in the turbulent seas of their peers’ traumatic experiences.
Outcomes
- To encourage students to think about how they can volunteer and make a difference in their community
- To provide an opportunity for students to develop their communication and teamwork skills
- To empower students to feel confident mentors and equipped with the skills they will need
- To provide real opportunities for students to be leaders – it is important not just to talk about leadership – they need to experience it for themselves
- To provide each Year 7/Year 8 student with a positive role model they can look up to
- To develop a range of important life-skills which will increase their employability and life chances.
Join the Heroes Journey
Embark with us on this transformative journey, where peer mentoring becomes the bridge to trauma-informed schools, where empathy, support, and understanding are not just words but lived experiences. At humanutopia, we are not just creating programmes; we are fostering environments where every child, despite the adversities and traumas faced, is empowered to soar to unprecedented heights.
Connect with us, and let’s script a narrative of hope, resilience, and transformation. Every child deserves a hero. Be part of the journey where heroes are born.
Here’s what others have to say about our Heroes Journey…
“By setting the scene and introducing the ‘heroes journey’, they look to inspire as many young people as possible to sign up and submit an application to become a hero. Everyone who applies is accepted. In their first year with us, with a little encouragement and targeted conversations, every disadvantaged student in the year group signed up to become a hero. Hero training challenges the young person to get out of their comfort zone, providing opportunities for self-reflection, growth and development. At this point we really started to see a difference in our young people.”
– Stephen Tierney, Former CEO, Blessed Edward Bamber Catholic Multi Academy Trust
- Led by young people, for young people
- Can complement existing leadership programmes in school
- Embeds values of tolerance, empathy, resilience and volunteering
- Provides a leadership pathway for those harder to reach so they can shine
- Can be used to support primary/transition liaison, PSHE sessions, academic mentoring and ambassador work
Two year groups – for example:
Year 9 Heroes with Year 7
Year 10 Heroes with Year 8
Year 11/12 Heroes with Year 9
- Full day with older year group
- Full day of training with volunteers to be heroes
- Full day with younger students with heroes
- Follow up activities for the heroes to do with younger year group
- The importance of a team mentality
- Barriers holding back the team
- The importance of communication
- How to become a positive influence
- Actions speak louder than words
- Key leadership skills
