ACHE Ambassadors Celebrate

One of our biggest cohorts of ACHE counsellors to date gathered to celebrate the completion of their training to become peer mentors. ACHE, which stands for Advice, Care, Help and Empathy, is a programme designed to promote the skills and experience needed to support others in times of need through mentorship, listening and compassion.

Fifty Lower Sixth students have completed the five-month programme, which requires attendance at weekly hour-long sessions, led by members of the Truro School staff and external speakers. In these sessions they learn about the types of issues young people can face, alongside learning how, as a peer mentor, they can listen, support and signpost younger pupils to get the help they need. Often a pupil may feel more comfortable initially talking to an ACHE mentor, rather than a member of staff.

The programme is overseen by our chaplain, Rev Helen, and Health and Wellbeing Lead, Mel Corden Lloyd, with support from the Sixth Form Team.

With tables beautifully dressed by Percy and Benjamin, music from Matthew, Finlay and Samson, and with MC Grace leading proceedings, our graduates enjoyed a delicious meal, before being presented with their certificates by Head of Truro School, Andy Johnson, who commended them all for their commitment to the programme and reminded them how important ACHE Mentors were to the pastoral support in the school.

Our guest speaker was Amy Buzza-Blackwell (CO08), Philanthropy Director at Cornwall Community Foundation, and former pupil. She reflected on her journey since leaving Truro School and encouraged the students to continue striving to be the best version of themselves; being mentors for younger pupils is a great way to give back and encourage others in their journeys.

We would like to congratulate all our amazing ACHE counsellors and thank the staff who helped to support them on their journey so far and who helped to make the evening so special.