Thornwell Primary School - Friendship Bench Project

The school peer support scheme became involved with Charter Housing Association. The aim was to develop peer support skills in local young people which would have a wider effect in the local community in the future.

With support from Charter Housing Association, the school began a project to design and commission a friendship bench as a focal point for peer support on the playground.  Charter arranged financial support from Monmouthshire Agenda 21 funding and also the Forest Education Initiative.

Year 3 pupils visited Cwmcarn to investigate forestry and to observe timber being carved with a chainsaw. 

A local artist, Andy O'Rourke, visited the school to help pupils create designs for the bench.  Andy then took elements from the designs to create a final design.  This was sent to Bob Davis who carved the bench. 

The bench arrived in July 2004 and an grand unveiling ceremony was held.  Peer supporters were presented with their certificates by Bron Lloyd from Charter Housing.