Peer helping is simply people helping other people.  When people experience frustrations, worries, concerns, and other life events, they typically turn to their friends, not professionals, for help, advice, practical assistance, and support. Peer Helping is based on the idea that students tend to seek out  their peers rather than adults when they have a problem that they need to talk about.

Peer Helping offers the opportunity for students to listen to, and help in the growth and development of other students. It is a process in which trained students offer listening, support, and alternatives, but no advice to other students. Rather than being an "advice-giver", a peer helper is someone who uses communication to allow self-exploration and decision-making.
One of the vital components of the Peer Helping Program is the referral process. Students are trained to refer when they can't handle a situation with their peers. Anything that is potentially harmful to self or other must be referred to staff advisors or appropriate resource personnel.

Peer helping has been at BCI for over 10 years. Students are trained in the art of Peer Helping during a weekend workshop  and other workshops held at monthly intervals.

Peer Helping is an excellent resource for students to use. Students are able to talk to people their own age about problems they're going through. Peer helpers can often support their friends with empathy, understanding, and the comfort of  talking with someone who wants to listen.