Creating Opportunities for Student-Led Wellbeing

Message from our Deputy Head of Secondary. Stephanie Watson

Student wellbeing sits firmly at the heart of our school culture. In recent months, we’ve taken meaningful steps to empower young people to actively support one another and shape a positive wellbeing environment across our community.

We have introduced student Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders), launched the BISAD Diploma Ambassadors, and strengthened our CAS Ambassador programme. Together, these initiatives are helping students lead with empathy, confidence, and purpose.

Why peer support matters the research behind our approach

The introduction of student MHFAiders is grounded in international research and best practice. Studies from Mental Health First Aid England show that one in five young people experiences a mental health challenge during adolescence and that early peer to peer support can make a significant difference in outcomes.

Research also highlights that

• Students are often more comfortable confiding in peers than in adults when first seeking support
• Peer led initiatives reduce stigma and strengthen school connectedness
• Schools that build structured wellbeing leadership see improvements in engagement, empathy, and resilience

At our school, we have designed our model carefully, ensuring that peer MHFAiders are trained, supervised, and supported by staff to create a safe and sustainable framework for wellbeing leadership.

A professional process “like a real job”

Building on the success of our staff Mental Health First Aider programme, we have extended the model to students. They apply formally, are interviewed, and receive structured training before being appointed to the role, mirroring a genuine recruitment process.

This approach gives students a strong sense of purpose and responsibility. They are not counsellors, but trained peers who can listen, offer reassurance, and signpost classmates to the right help. It is a structured, safe, and empowering system that builds empathy and trust across the student body.

BISAD Diploma and CAS Ambassadors embedding wellbeing in leadership

The BISAD Diploma recognises students who demonstrate leadership, service, and personal growth, with wellbeing as a core focus. Alongside this, our CAS Ambassadors (Creativity, Activity, Service) have been driving positive change through campaigns, assemblies, and student-led projects.

Both initiatives ensure that wellbeing and character development are woven into every aspect of school life, not as standalone programmes but as part of what it means to be a BIS Abu Dhabi student.

Next steps accredited training and student led events

The next phase of our wellbeing journey will see student MHFAiders complete accredited Youth Mental Health First Aid training through Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA England). This internationally recognised qualification will further equip them with the skills to identify signs of distress, start supportive conversations, and guide peers towards professional help.

In addition, our students will lead a number of upcoming wellbeing initiatives including

• World Children’s Day focusing on student rights, voice, and inclusion
• Anti Bullying Week promoting respect and kindness across the school
• CAS Cafés informal student led spaces for dialogue, creativity, and connection

These events reflect our belief that wellbeing is not a one-off lesson but a culture that grows when students are given the chance to lead.

A culture of care and leadership

I am incredibly proud of how our students have embraced these opportunities. Their compassion, maturity, and enthusiasm remind us every day of what is possible when young people are trusted to lead with purpose.

At The British International School Abu Dhabi, we believe that wellbeing and leadership go hand in hand. By providing structure, training, and genuine student voice, we are helping our young people develop the skills and confidence to care for themselves, for one another, and for the wider community.