We work to spread hope and prevent suicide

Hope Squad is an evidence-based, peer-to-peer suicide prevention program built around the power of connection.

TRUSTED  BY LEADING SUICIDE PREVENTION EXPERTS

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States

Hope Squads make a difference by using effective prevention strategies to reduce the risk of suicide: peer engagement and intentional outreach.

What is a Hope Squad?

A Hope Squad is a group nominated by their peers.

They meet regularly with trained advisors to talk and learn about mental health.

Members are trained to note signs of distress and reach out, connecting peers to help and hope.

Hope Squads interact with and educate the entire student body to reduce stigma and change their community's culture.

A Hope Squad is a group nominated by their peers.

They meet regularly with trained advisors to talk and learn about mental health.

Members are trained to note signs of distress and reach out, connecting peers to help and hope.

Hope Squads teach and connect with the entire student body to reduce stigma and change their community's culture.

A Hope Squad is a group nominated by their peers.

Hope Squad Program

Learn more about our mental health curriculum, our evidence-based programming, and how they work.

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Our Impact

Thousands of schools across the United States trust the Hope Squad Program to foster connection and reduce the risk of suicide. Research shows that Hope Squads have a positive impact on members and their communities while normalizing conversations about mental health.

Hope Squad members reported significantly fewer stigmatized attitudes toward those experiencing suicidality than those who were not enrolled in a Hope Squad program

Wright-Berryman et al., 2019.

100% of parents agree that their child's involvement in Hope Squad helps their child make a positive difference.

Hope Squad member survey results

99% of parents agree that their child's involvement in Hope Squad has been a positive experience for their child.

Hope Squad member survey results

Over 98% of Hope Squad advisors agree that Hope Squad members know how and where to get help for struggling peers.

Hope Squad member survey results

Approved by and listed in the SPRC Best Practices Registry

Hope Squad is on the Suicide Prevention Resource Center’s Best Practices Registry. This verifies that our programming has been reviewed by experts to ensure it aligns with the most current guidance on preventing suicide and that it has demonstrated effectiveness in addressing the factors known to increase the likelihood of youth suicide.

I have had three children participate in Hope Squad. Other parents always ask me if they are too young or they feel too much pressure. I always tell them absolutely not. You can never be too young to learn how to be aware of those around you.

Cristie Wood

Hope Squad Parent

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My biggest takeaway from Hope Squad over the past few years is the realization that you never truly know what any one person may be going through in their life and the immense impact a single person who truly cares can make.

Benjamin R

Hope Squad Member

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I imagine this as emotional CPR. My job isn’t necessarily to be able to heal someone all by myself, but just keep them okay until they can get more professional help.

Anonymous

Hope Squad Member

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I have had three children participate in Hope Squad. Other parents always ask me if they are too young or they feel too much pressure. I always tell them absolutely not. You can never be too young to learn how to be aware of those around you.

Cristie Wood

Hope Squad Parent

My biggest takeaway from Hope Squad over the past few years is the realization that you never truly know what any one person may be going through in their life and the immense impact a single person who truly cares can make.

Benjamin R.

Hope Squad STUDENT Member

I imagine this as emotional CPR. My job isn’t necessarily to be able to heal someone all by myself, but just keep them okay until they can get more professional help.

Anonymous

Hope Squad STUDENT MEMBER

Community Stories

See Hope Squads in action!

Dallas Hope Squad honored at Luncheon event

Hope Squad featured in ABC News special exploring the mental health crisis among youth amid COVID-19

Students show their support for suicide awareness at Minico High School

Students show their support for suicide awareness at Minico High School

Hope Squad featured in ABC News special exploring the mental health crisis among youth amid COVID-19

Dallas Hope Squad honored at Luncheon event

Bring Hope Squad to your community

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it dangerous to talk about suicide?

Research has shown that having open conversations about suicide makes a person in crisis feel heard. When we refuse to talk about suicide, it sends the message to those who are struggling that it is not okay to talk about what they are experiencing or ask for help. Hope Squad empowers members to talk about suicide and connect those in crisis to help.

What exactly do Hope Squad members learn?

Hope Squad content aligns closely with social-emotional learning, creating a foundation for members to practice and build social awareness, relationship skills, self-management, self-awareness, and responsible decision-making. At the elementary level, members learn about mental wellness, anti-bullying, and resilience. At the junior high level and beyond, members are also educated on suicide risk factors and warning signs and are empowered with the knowledge of how to connect struggling peers to timely help. Members are NOT asked to be counselors, but rather are taught to recognize the signs that a peer is struggling and refer them to trusted help.

How much does it costs to start a Hope Squad?

Click here to contact our team. We will be happy to answer your questions and help direct you to information on grants and funding, if needed.