Claymont School will start a process of increasing mental health awareness through the peer-to-peer program Hope Squad.
Tiffany Shaw, an advisor at Tusky Valley School, spoke to the Claymont Board of Education on the recruitment-based prevention program. The students trained to recognize the signs of emotional distress and how to provide support before connecting them to a trusted adult.
“The students vote on who they can go to, who they can trust at school. From there we invite the students to become members of Hope Squad. First, we have a parent meeting and explain what this is about. Again, the peer connection is really key.”
Benefits, said Shaw, include participating schools experiencing a reduction in student suicide rates, increased mental health awareness, and a culture of understanding.
“Improved student well-being. Students who are part of hope Squad and have a Hope Squad at their school often report a great sense of connection to their peers. Also, strength in peer relationships, so by building a network of caring students around the school, students then have that trusted peer to also go to.”
The program was approved. Go to www.hopesquad.com for more details about the initiative.
Additionally, based upon the Healthy Tusc 2024 Community Survey, from the five participating districts, nearly 1 in 4 (1,441) youth felt sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks in a row. In the past 12 months 4% attempted suicide and 10% of respondents considered attempting suicide.
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