Annual report 2009 2010 by Sharon Austin

ANNUAL REPORT 2009-2010

The Peer Support Foundation Limited 2 Grosvenor Place Brookvale NSW 2100 Phone: 02 9905 3499 Fax: 02 9905 5134 Email: peeroz@peersupport.edu.au Website: www.peersupport.edu.au

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Table of Contents

Mission

Page 3

The Peer Support Australia Team

Page 4

About Peer Support Australia

Page 5

Implementing the Peer Support Program

Page 5

How the Peer Support Program works

Page 6

Peer Support Modules for Primary Schools

Page 7

Peer Support Modules for Secondary Schools

Page 8

Major Achievements

Page 9

Future Directions

Page 10

Chairman’s Report

Page 11

General Manager’s Report

Page 12

Our Supporters

Page 13

Directors’ Report Financial Reports

Page 14-16 Page 17

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Mission

Peer Support Australia is a not for profit organisation dedicated to providing peer led programs which foster the mental, social and physical wellbeing of young people and their community. Our vision is to develop in young people a sense of personal responsibility for their own wellbeing, with the support of their peers and an informed and skilled community. This is achieved through education programs for students, teachers, parents and community members. Peer Support Australia would not be able to achieve these objectives without the support of: Founder:

Elizabeth Campbell AM, BSc, TNDC

Chairman:

David A Stanton FIA

Patron:

James Dibble AM

Honorary Directors: Jennifer Dalitz BA, MBA, CPA Brian Halstead BE (Chem), BEc, CPA Cheryl Hayman BCom Judith Merryweather BSc, FACS Lorraine Walker BA Dip Ed, Grad Cert RE Staff: (as at 30.6.10) Sharon Austin

General Manager

Kristin Bell

Training and Development Consultant (part-time)

Sharlene Chadwick

Training and Development Manager

Josie Gallagher

Training and Marketing Administrator

Lindsey Hogg

Training and Development Consultant

Janet Ritchie

Administration Assistant

Peter Tanswell

Systems Accountant

The Peer Support Foundation was registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee in 1983, following the early development and introduction of the Peer Support Program by Elizabeth Campbell in the 1970s. The Foundation is accepted by the Australian Taxation Office as a Public Benevolent Institution. In September 2007 the Peer Support Foundation registered the trading name Peer Support Australia. ABN: 40 002 634 853

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ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE TEAM

Josie Gallagher, Training and Marketing Administrator

Peter Tanswell, Systems Accountant

Janet Ritchie, Administration Assistant

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Lindsey Hogg, Training and Development Consultant

Sam Chadwick, Training and Development Manager

Kristin Bell, Training and Development Consultant

Peer Support Australia’s Team As at 30 June 2010 It is with great sadness that we advise that since the writing of this report, the Founder of the Peer Support Program, Elizabeth Annita Campbell AM, BSc, TNDC, passed away, aged 86, on 26 September 2010. The impact of the Peer Support Program on hundreds of thousands of young Australians will be Elizabeth’s legacy.

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About Peer Support Australia Peer Support Australia provides schools and their communities with a program designed to develop mental, social and physical wellbeing. These programs are implemented across the whole school and support a safer, happier environment where effective teaching and learning can occur. A range of training workshops that are designed to support school staff in planning for and implementing the Peer Support Program are provided. Scheduled workshops are held throughout the year at key locations. The Peer Support Program is supported by a series of peer led modules which form part of a learning continuum that aims to assist young people to develop positive values, attitudes, behaviours and skills related to relationships, leadership, optimism, resilience, values and antibullying. School communities are able to plot a learning pathway from Kindergarten through to Year 12 with modules that address their specific needs and goals.

Implementing the Peer Support Program In primary schools, student learning sessions are facilitated by Year 6 students with multi-age groups from Kindergarten to Year 5. In secondary schools, student learning sessions are available for a range of ages. The traditional approach is Year 10 or 11 students facilitating groups for Year 7. To support school communities in addressing specific areas of need and bring about positive change, Peer Support Australia provides: 

awareness raising workshops for community members

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training and professional development for teachers integrated learning modules for students—including notes for teachers, notes for Peer leaders and resources for students.

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Peer led learning programs allow young people to: 

develop skills in cooperative learning

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become better leaders

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investigate issues they feel adults may not relate to

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develop effective ways to deal with life experiences

explore ways in which other people deal with similar experiences. Modules developed by Peer Support Australia focus on developing values, skills and understandings vital to the wellbeing of young people. They are based on a peer led model of learning and assist students to develop: 

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sense of Self

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resilience

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connectedness

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sense of possibility.

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How the Peer Support Program works Awareness Raising Raising awareness is the first step in implementing the Peer Support Program. This usually takes the form of a consultant’s talk to teachers, parents and community members. In some modules it also involves surveying attitudes and gathering information in relation to a particular issue. Training Teachers and parents are then trained at district or whole school workshops for 1 day. Teachers then train student leaders, using resources developed and provided by Peer Support Australia. These student training sessions are conducted over 2 days. Implementation In primary schools, Peer leaders work with a small group of students for approximately 30 minutes a week using Peer Support Australia’s resource material. All Year 6 students take on this leadership role. They facilitate groups of about 8—10 students from Kindergarten—Year 5. In secondary schools, Year 10 or 11 students are trained and then encouraged to apply for this leadership position. They are responsible for groups of 8—10 students from Year 7. Sessions are conducted for 10 weeks. Some Peer Support Australia’s modules operate with same age peers. This ensures age relevant issues are addressed in a supportive and positive environment. Students are supported at every stage through briefing and debriefing sessions conducted by teachers. Briefing is conducted at least the day before. Debriefing can take many forms and can occur up to a day later. Briefing and debriefing are vital to the success of the Peer Support Program. Schools are encouraged to involve parents in the Peer Support Program by providing ongoing information. In this way parents can enjoy and build on their children’s Peer Support experiences. In recognition of the time commitments and constraints placed upon schools, the Peer Support Foundation has developed a flexible delivery option for the anti-bullying program. This allows schools to implement the training within their own time frame. This also enables school communities to develop a stronger sense of ownership and commitment to dealing with bullying behaviours in their school context. Celebration Celebration of the achievement of Peer Support groups and their leaders is one of the many ways that individuals can build a sense of Self. Peer Support Australia encourages community members to celebrate the achievements of young people by presenting Peer Support Foundation certificates and badges. This also builds the connections between the school and its community. We encourage all parents and community members to inspire and support our young people by contributing to the Peer Support Program at your local school.

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Peer Support Modules for Primary Schools Getting Started This module is an introduction for schools who have not previously run the Peer Support Program. The focus is on groups working together and establishing group dynamics. Key skills developed are:

interpersonal communication

Keeping Friends (8 sessions) This module focuses on the complexities of relationships. Students will develop skills in maintaining positive relationships by learning how to play fairly, accept that friendships change, support each other and acknowledge that they may have a variety of friends. Key skills developed are:

values critical thinking empathy negotiation conflict resolution

Living Positively (8 sessions) This module focuses on optimism. Students develop the skills and knowledge to approach life with a positive attitude, use their strengths, engage in enjoyable activities and show gratitude to others. Key skills developed are:

resilience empathy coping monitoring stress

Taking Opportunities (8 sessions) This module focuses on resilience. Students identify their personal strengths, people who can support them and strategies to assist in becoming more resilient. Key skills developed are:

coping resilience monitoring stress planning

Promoting Harmony (8 sessions) This module focuses on resilience. Students focus on the values of caring, respect, responsibility and fair go. Students identify their personal strengths, people who can support them and strategies to assist in becoming more resilient. Key skills developed are:

values clarification relationship building assertiveness decision making

Speaking Up (8 sessions) This module is part of a whole school approach to address the issue of bullying behaviours in a positive way and includes staff training, teacher led lessons and a parent awareness raising sessions. Key skills developed are:

decision making problem solving assertiveness empathy relationship building

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Peer Support Modules for Secondary Schools Framework for Orientation (4 areas) This framework focuses on the transition to secondary school for entry level students. Activities have been designed to encourage students to work together and support one another. The flexible nature of the framework makes it ideal to incorporate into existing school orientation programs. Key skills developed are: coping critical thinking problem solving negotiation Facing our Challenges (8 sessions) This module focuses on resilience and equipping students with the skills to cope more effectively with situations they may find challenging. Key skills developed are: optimism empathy positive self talk perseverance resilience Behaving with Integrity (8 sessions) This module focuses on values. Students explore individual and community values within a safe and supportive environment. The core values of respect, responsibility, diversity, inclusion and integrity are blended throughout the module Key skills developed are: values clarification relationship building assertiveness decision making Working through Conflict (8 sessions) This module focuses on anti-bullying and is designed, in conjunction with whole staff training, t o address the issue of bullying behaviours in a positive way. Key skills developed are: decision making problem solving empathy assertiveness relationship building conflict resolution

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Major Achievements in 2009 - 2010 

Participated in Senate Inquiry on Children and Young People ―Children and Young People Aged 9-14 Years in NSW - The Missing Middle‖

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Participated in Senate Inquiry - ―Bullying in Children and Young People‖

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Participated in Federal Senate Inquiry on Suicide Prevention

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Submission to Senate Inquiry into Cybersafety

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Presented at ARACY Conference 2009 (Making Prevention Work)

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Presented at Protective Behaviours Conference 2009 - Canberra

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Appointed 3 new staff members  Lindsey Hogg, Training and Development Consultant  Janet Ritchie, Part-time Administration Assistant  Peter Tanswell, Systems Accountant Funding secured from Department of Health and Ageing to further expand the Peer Support Program nationally

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Implementation of an integrated CRM/Accounting package trialed in 2008/2009 Application of a more stringent measurement of what classifies an ―operational school‖ in the Peer Support Program (this is now more easily enforced by the automated CRM process) Development of an evaluation and review tool to be used in redevelopment of Student leadership training An evaluation of the existing SRC Training workshop Analysis of data from evaluations undertaken between 2007 and 2009 using the recently developed Peer Support Program Evaluation Package. The analysis has helped support Best Practice guidelines Analysis of data from the above surveys to determine the universality of the Program. Is the program equally effective with: government schools, catholic schools, independent schools; urban, rural and remote schools; students who speak English as their first language, students who speak English as their second language; male and female students; schools in higher and lower socio-economic communities. The evidence strongly supports that the Program is universal in these areas.

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Trialing a computerised Risk Management System Work towards a Quality Accreditation Process (Accreditation to be sought in next financial year)

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Expansion to and fit-out of new premises

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Future Directions  

Accreditation as a Quality Organisation by the Quality Improvement Council Integrate the computerised CRM and Accounting Package with the website to further automate processes

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Improve debtor control processes Instigate improved human resource processes incorporating current research on Emotional Intelligence

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Recruitment and induction of two new Training and Development Consultants

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Publication of the Primary Student Leadership training notes

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Redevelopment of the SRC Learning Guide and workshop support material Facilitate an interstate focus group forum to investigate impacts of the Peer Support Program and implementation barriers

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Develop improved data analysis Continue to seek opportunities to increase the profile of the Peer Support Foundation Continue to develop links with external, not for profit organisations and educational sectors Continue to make Government and Political links

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Chairmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Report Peer Support Australia has once again had a very productive and satisfying year, in spite of a number of challenges presenting themselves. We addressed change on many levels, including staffing, office accommodation, computer hardware, computer software and our web-site. It is a tribute to the ability and resilience of our General Manager and her staff that we nonetheless came through the year strongly, with a strong team well prepared for any future challenges. I thank them all for their work during the year. Our work in expanding the availability of the Peer Support Program into Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia and the Northern Territory was recognised by a continuation of funding from the Department of Health and Ageing. The NSW Department of Health also continued their long-term funding of our operations in New South Wales. We also continue to be encouraged and financially supported by philanthropic bodies, including the Raymond Purves Foundation, the James N Kirby Foundation, and the Woodend Foundation. It is most gratifying to see our work recognised and supported by these organisations.

David Stanton, Chairman and Senator Ursula Stevens at Kirribilli House

A highlight of the year was our association with Peninsula Pals, a group of not-for-profit organisations based in the Northern Beaches area of Sydney, established some years ago under the guidance of Jean Hay, Mayor of Manly. In conjunction with Peninsula Pals we ran another successful fund-raising lunch on Melbourne Cup day, and a garden party at Kirribilli House in April. It was good to meet Senator Ursula Stephens, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, at the garden party, and to have the opportunity to bring her up to date on our activities. We were also able to renew ties with Mike Baird MP, local member for Manly and shadow treasurer in the NSW government. In September we were informed that a submission we made to the Curriculum council in WA had been approved and they have endorsed the Peer Support Program. This means that from 2010 students completing this program can count this learning towards their secondary graduation certificate â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE). Our Consultative Group, made up of representatives from various health and education organisations and government departments, once again provided valuable advice at our twice-yearly meetings. This group gives us an opportunity to learn more about developments in the areas in which we are involved, and to keep members informed about our activities and plans. It has been a most useful forum over the past 10 years, and I am sure it will continue to be so into the future. I would like to place on record my appreciation of the work of Sharon Austin, our General Manager, and Sam Chadwick, our Training and Development Manager. During the 2009-2010 year Sharon celebrated her 10th anniversary with Peer Support Australia, and Sam celebrated her 15 th anniversary. The board continues to function well, with all directors making valuable contributions to discussions, and I thank them all for their input. I will be standing down as chairman at the Annual General Meeting in November, as I will then have been in that position for 5 years. I am confident that the new chairman will continue to enjoy the support of all directors and all staff members. I have great confidence in the ability of the directors and staff of Peer Support Australia to continue to meet our mission to provide dynamic peer-led programs which foster the mental, social and physical wellbeing of young people and their community.

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General Manager’s Report 2009-2010 was a challenging year at Peer Support Australia, with the continued development of the Peer Support Program throughout Australia, the loss of some longterm staff, the appointment of new staff, expansion into new accommodation and bedding down the new integrated CRM and accounting systems. In July 2009 we waited anxiously to have funding confirmed from the Department of Health and Ageing to enable us to continue our growth of the Peer Support Program nationally. We were very pleased that this was confirmed in August and the contract was signed in September 2009. This funding contract is from June 2009-May 2011. National growth has become an important strategic direction and as research continues to demonstrate the importance of peer relationships, we are more than ever committed to making the Peer Support Program accessible to as many young Australians as possible. Col Harrison left the organisation in January 2010 to take up a position in the Middle East. Zoe Dawson also moved on to explore new opportunities in April . We wish Col and Zoe every success in their future endeavours. We were very pleased to welcome Lindsey Hogg in February 2010. Lindsey was appointed as a Training and Development Consultant and has already made a significant contribution to Peer Support Australia. New computer hardware was installed early in the year as a result of funding from James N Kirby Foundation. This has made a huge difference to the efficiency of our systems. Peter Tanswell and Janet Ritchie joined the Administration team in April. They are both proving to be a great support and we welcome their input. Peter’s first project was to manage the fit-out of new office space. This was carried out very efficiently and staff are very happy with their new, bright surroundings. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff for their contribution this year, to congratulate Sam Chadwick on achieving 15 years service and the publication of her book ―they can’t hurt me‖, the board for their assistance and support, and all funding bodies, supporters and sponsors for enabling us to continue to carry out the mission of Peer Support Australia. Lastly I would like to thank all schools, teachers and students involved in the Program who have worked so hard to make the Peer Support Program the success it is today.

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Our Supporters The Peer Support Foundation thanks everyone who has supported us this year. Government, Corporate and Philanthropic Sponsors 2009-2010 Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing NSW Department of Health Manly Council Catholic Church Insurances James N Kirby Foundation Raymond E Purves Foundation State Street Australia Limited United Way (Northern Beaches Youth Community Fund) Woodend Pty Ltd Individual Supporters Special thanks to Mr and Mrs John Phillips. Your continued support is much appreciated. Registered Clubs Many registered clubs throughout NSW and ACT kindly assist the Peer Support Foundation with donations through the Community Development and Support Expenditure (CDSE) scheme, complimentary room and equipment hire. Members Our members are the lifeblood of Peer Support Australia. Thank you for your continued support.

THE PEER SUPPORT FOUNDATION LIMITED ABN 40 002 634 853 Directors’ Report Activities of the Peer Support Foundation As a not-for-profit organisation, the continuing activities of this company were those of a benevolent foundation, supporting schools in the implementation of the Peer Support Program. The Peer Support Foundation Limited does not have share capital. No debentures were issued during the financial year ended 30th June 2010. Events subsequent to the end of the financial year There does not exist at the date of this report any contingent liability or any charge on the assets securing the liability of any other person which has arisen since the 30th June 2010. No contingent liability has become enforceable, or is likely to become enforceable before or on 30th June 2011 which, in the opinion of the directors, will or may substantially affect the ability of the company to meet its obligations as and when they fall due. Directors’ benefits No director of the company has, either during or since the end of the financial year, received or become entitled to receive a benefit not disclosed in the accounts as directors’ emoluments, by reason of a contract made by the company in which he/she has a substantial interest. Review of operation and results In this financial year, the Peer Support Foundation made a surplus of $214,949. This surplus was the result of self generated income comprising royalties, membership fees and interest. The operational costs of the Foundation were met by fee for service, and State and Federal Government support. Income from grants fell by around $180,000 as the result of the completion of a major Government project. This is more than compensated for in the reduction of related expenses. Separate detailed audited accounts were provided for this project. In the attached financial reports these expenses relating to the previous financial year are allocated to an individual Project expense account. Significant changes and state of affairs The Peer Support Foundation has continued to expand its operations nationally during this financial year to provide training and workshops in NSW, ACT, Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. These interstate activities have been supported by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. During September 2007 the Peer Support Foundation registered the business name Peer Support Australia. Future Developments and results The Peer Support Foundation will develop ongoing theme specific modules for both Primary and Secondary schools. There will be continued evaluation of new and current modules. National expansion will continue to be pursued. Environmental Issues The Peer Support Foundation’s operations are not regulated by any significant environmental regulation under a law of the Commonwealth or of a state or territory. Directors’ meeting attendance, qualifications and special responsibilities The Peer Support Foundation was well supported by its Honorary Board Members who met on 5 occasions including its AGM. Directors have been in office since the start of the financial year unless otherwise stated.

Directors David A Stanton FIA Chairman A subscriber to the formation of the company, David has served as a Director since its formation and was elected Chairman on 17 October 2005. Prior to retirement he was Managing Director of David Stanton & Associates Pty Ltd. (Attended 3 Directors’ meetings and 1 AGM) Brian Halstead BE, BEc,CPA Brian was appointed to the Board in 1999. He was elected Chairman on 16 October 2000 and served until David Stanton’s appointment on 17 October 2005. Prior to retirement he was Chairman of Freightcorp and a Director and Chief Financial Officer for Unilever in Australia and New Zealand. (Attended 2 Directors’ meetings) Jennifer Dalitz BA, MBA, CPA Jennifer was appointed to the Board in April 2007. Jennifer has international experience in consulting and professional services and over 10 years experience in Senior Management roles. She is the founder and SheEO of sphinx, a social enterprise committed to advancing women as leaders. (Attended 2 Directors’ meetings and 1 AGM) Cheryl Hayman BCom Cheryl was appointed to the Board in 2007. Cheryl brings extensive experience in marketing with a variety of corporations, primarily through her role as Marketing Director. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Hayman Strategy which specialises in strategic marketing and business consultancy. (Attended 3 Directors’ meetings and 1 AGM) Judith Merryweather BSc FACS Judith was appointed to the Board in 2007. With a background in IT, Judith has worked in consulting and senior corporate roles. As a Principal of Alexer she provides strategic business systems consulting. She is a past Director of the Australian Centre for Advanced Computing and Communications. (Attended 4 Directors’ meetings and 1 AGM) Lorraine Walker BA Dip Ed, Grad Cert RE Lorraine was appointed to the Board in 2008. Lorraine has extensive experience in education, particularly in the Catholic Sector over a period of twenty years as a teacher of History, English and Religious Education. From 1990 to 2000 Lorraine was the Assistant Principal – Pastoral Care at a large Catholic School with an enrolment of 1,500 students. Lorraine retired in 2009 as State Coordinator – Student Welfare Programs with the Catholic Education Commission NSW. (Attended 4 Directors’ meetings and 1 AGM) Company Secretary—Sharon Austin Sharon Austin held the position of company secretary at the end of the financial year. Sharon has worked for the Peer Support Foundation since 1 November 1999 and currently holds the position of General Manager.

Indemnifying Officers or Auditor No indemnities have been given or insurance premiums paid, during or since the end of the financial year, for any person who is or has been an officer or auditor of the Peer Support Foundation. Proceedings on behalf of the Peer Support Foundation No person has applied for leave of Court to bring proceedings on behalf of the Peer Support Foundation or intervene in any proceedings to which the Peer Support Foundation is a party for the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the Peer Support Foundation for all or any part of those proceedings. The Peer Support Foundation was not a party to any such proceedings during the year. Auditorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Independence Declaration The lead auditorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s independence declaration for the year ended 30 June 2010 has been received. Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors.

THE PEER SUPPORT FOUNDATION LIMITED A.B.N. 40 002 634 853

FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010