The PIPS Project at Fast Forward is designed to celebrate, promote and support peer-education projects throughout Scotland. Fast Forward has been championing peer education for 15 years now, but peer education as a method, dates back to the late 1800’s.  

Evidence suggests that children and young people are likely to gain or acquire knowledge effectively when they are inspired by a peer or someone they can relate to. A peer is usually someone of a similar age and/or someone who has had similar lived experiences. Peer education is an approach which empowers young people to work with other young people, drawing on the positive strength of the peer group. Young people become active players in the education process rather than passive recipients of a message. Central to this work is the collaboration between young people and adults.

At PIPS, we aim to co-design peer-education resources with children and young people. Working alongside children and young people allows their authentic voices and lived experiences to be heard. This means that educational resources are more likely to be relevant to those who use them. Successful peer-education projects are firmly rooted in valuing contributions from all involved and this is the type of inclusive practice we strive for at Fast Forward.

Once PIPS projects are complete, they are showcased on our website and used to inform and educate other young people across Scotland. We also host an annual celebration; our Festival of Peer Inspiration. This is an opportunity for young people and practitioners to share their successful peer-projects and inspire others for the year ahead.