CHADS is pleased to partner with Hope Squad to provide students a peer-to-peer support system in your school to foster connection and hope.
A Hope Squad is a group of students nominated by their peers.
Members are trained to note signs of distress and reach out, connecting peers to help and hope.
They meet regularly with trained Advisors to talk and learn about mental health.
Hope Squads educate the entire student body to reduce stigma and change their school's culture.
98% of school administrators agree Hope Squad promotes a positive school climate.
Hope Squad members are nominated by their classmates as trustworthy peers and trained by advisors. The program reduces youth suicide through education, training, and peer intervention.
The curriculum’s core competencies known to reduce the risk of suicide. Our lessons integrate age-appropriate suicide prevention topics at all levels from of elementary, middle, and high school. The program includes scripted lessons, prepared presentations, skill-building, and school-wide activities.
Was Your Child Nominated?
Congratulations! Your child can be an instrument of change for your school. If you have questions, email alyssawilkinson@chadscoalition.org.
95% of students
report knowing how and where to get help for their peers
Our Suicide Prevention Model
Our suicide prevention model connects gatekeeper training, psychoeducation, a peer-to-peer approach, and community engagement to reduce the risk of suicide. Core suicide prevention competencies are woven throughout each of these elements to build the knowledge and skills that empower students to connect peers to trusted adults.
Our distinct Gatekeeper Lesson, called the HOPE Approach, is intentionally designed to equip individuals with foundational skills for recognizing and responding to mental health concerns. These skills are reinforced in the broader, multi-year Hope Squad Program Strands to deepen students' understanding over time.