Ben Parkinson is an Information and Options Worker for Buckinghamshire Mind’s Community Based Support Services. Ben first became interested in mental health support after volunteering as a Peer Mentor at Secondary School through our Peer Support in Schools Service. Ben tells us about his experience and how it influenced his life.
“I was interested in becoming a Peer Mentor because I wanted to support fellow students through the challenges that come with school. As I became more mature, I gained a better understanding of the pressures students face, whether that’s preparing for exams, fitting in socially, or dealing with the many challenges of growing up. I felt that if I had had someone to guide and support me when I was younger, it would have been really beneficial. This motivated me to give back and use my experiences to help others feel supported, encouraged and more confident in overcoming their own challenges.
I found the training provided by the Peer Support in Schools Service to be incredibly insightful and valuable. It taught me important skills such as empathy and active listening, helping me understand that sometimes simply listening is one of the most effective ways to support someone. It also reinforced the idea that you never truly know what challenges people may be facing behind closed doors.
Alongside the practical skills, I found the training both inspiring and rewarding. It showed me how much of a positive impact a person can have simply by giving their time, attention, and support to others. The experience highlighted how even small acts of kindness and understanding can make a significant difference to someone’s wellbeing.
I absolutely loved being a Peer Mentor. It was so rewarding to support and guide younger students through the challenges of school life and any mental health concerns they may have been facing. Having experienced the pressures of exams, friendships and other school-related stresses myself, I felt I could genuinely relate to and help the students I worked with.
The experience not only allowed me to make a positive difference to others, but it also helped me learn a great deal about myself. I discovered how much I enjoy helping people, listening to their experiences and understanding different perspectives. It strengthened my confidence, empathy and communication skills, while also increasing my awareness of mental health and wellbeing, both in others and in myself.
I had always been fascinated by psychology, particularly how the brain works and how our thoughts, feelings and behaviours are all interconnected. I was also interested in how research and experimentation can help us better understand people and human behaviour. Becoming a Peer Mentor brought this interest to life. Through supporting other students, I realised how much I enjoyed listening to people, understanding their experiences and showing empathy without judgement. I found it very rewarding to dedicate my time to helping others feel heard and supported during difficult periods in their lives.
The experience reinforced my desire to learn more about people, how the mind works, and how psychological knowledge can be used to support those who are struggling. Being a Peer Mentor not only strengthened my interest in studying Psychology at University, but also confirmed my belief that it was the right course for me and a field in which I can make a meaningful difference to others.
I loved the Peer Mentor training so much that I continued to follow the work of Buckinghamshire Mind and stay up-to-date with the support and services they provide. I have always admired the organisation’s dedication, creativity and person-centred approach to helping people who are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing.
The positive impression that Buckinghamshire Mind left on me meant that, if the opportunity ever arose, working for the organisation would be something I could not turn down. I believe it is a privilege to support others through difficult times, and even more so to be able to do that as a career.
Therefore, after I graduated, I was delighted to apply for and be offered the role of Information and Options Worker at Buckinghamshire Mind, based within the Community Mental Health Teams at Amersham Health Centre and Saffron House in High Wycombe.
This role involves supporting individuals with their recovery goals through person-centred, community-based interventions that are tailored to their individual needs and aspirations.
I work collaboratively with the people we support to identify meaningful goals that will support their wellbeing, independence and recovery. This can range from helping someone build the confidence to access community spaces – such as cafés, leisure activities, or local groups – to signposting and connecting them with relevant services and support networks within the community.”