Hope Squad

 

 

Hope Squad launched in all three Westerville high schools successfully launched Hope Squads in the Fall of 2021. After several successful years, Hope Squad launched in all 5 middle schools in the Fall of 2024. We continue to grow and strengthen this program in all secondary buildings through advisor trainings and support, student engagement, and building wide activities.

Hope Squad is a school based, peer-to-peer, mental health and suicide prevention program that emphasizes suicide prevention fundamentals, self-care and anti-bullying. The purpose of a Hope Squad is to improve access and availability to appropriate prevention services for youth who are at risk for suicide. The Hope Squad Program functions as a peer support team with the goal of providing friendship, encouragement, and support for students in our school who may be struggling.  

Current 7th-11th grade students will have an opportunity to learn about Squads and then nominate their peers to be considered for a student leader role in the program. Please read the following information and be sure to make your student aware of this upcoming opportunity to become involved:

Q. What is the purpose of Hope Squads?

A. The purpose of this program is to improve education about mental health and suicide while also working to improve access and availability to appropriate prevention services to youth who are at risk for suicide.

Q. If selected, what will be expected of my child?

A. The Hope Squad Program functions as a peer support team. The goal is to provide friendship, encouragement, and support for students who may be struggling. Selected student leaders will be trained, attend regular meetings, and help promote positive mental health and wellness in their high school. Your child will not be asked to act as a counselor, but rather will be trained to refer student peers to a trusted adult for help.

If your child is selected, you will receive additional information in order to make the best decision with your child at that time.