We are a school-based Peer-to-Peer Suicide Prevention program that empowers students
Alberta Supports Hotline 1-855-4HelpAB (1-855-443-5722)
Follow us on instagram: @chs_hope_squad
HOPE (Hold On. Persuade. Empower.)
"Be Positive “ — Kind and happy thoughts to others boosts your own happiness.
"Find the Cure"--physical activity helps prevent depression.
"Find your Inner Peace"-- Take time to think and reflect.
"A Hopeful Future"--having goals and a plan keeps you focused and gives you confidence.
"Confidence Can Go the Distance"--believe in your own abilities, even when experiencing setbacks
HOPE Squad members are available to talk to for anyone who is feeling down or lonely. The members have jackets and shirts that they wear on Wednesdays to help CHS students identify them easier. HOPE Squad students have been trained on how to help students get the help they need.
Hope Week gives students, faculty, and parents a chance to change the lives of those who feel trapped by mental illness. If you want to be more involved in suicide awareness, participate in Hope Week. If you or anyone you love is suffering, please take the time to reach out to them and do everything in your power to help. Most importantly, know when it’s time to get intervention from an adult. So many lives can be saved by talking to a trusted adult.
Talk to your counselor, talk to a HOPE Squad member, talk to a teacher, talk to a parent or guardian, talk to a trusted adult, a religious member, a spiritual leader, an elder; just talk to somebody. "A lot of times, kids don’t want to die, they just want the pain to go away. I would say in almost every situation, people who attempt suicide do it out of instinct, and the minute they do it they regret it. So just talk, find somebody and talk to them. We can get you help.”
HOPE Squad is Cardston High School's suicide prevention and peer support program that allows a group of student advisers to be the eyes and ears of our school. CHS's HOPE Squad works with students by engaging in activities and lessons focused on enhancing student health and safety. In addition, these students are trained to recognize suicidal ideation, as well as, be support for their peers.
Why do we need a hope squad?
HOPE4UTAH has seen much success through their evidence-based peer-to-peer program. Students have identified their school’s HOPE Squads as a source of trust and comfort. HOPE Squads aim to:
- Enhance the health and safety measures already in place at a school
- Educate students on how to recognize warning signs of suicide
- Educate students how to respectfully reports potential suicide behaviour
- Train students how to interact with, watch, and support fellow students/friends who may be struggling
- Implement evidence-based strategies through HOPE Squad training programs
- Reduce suicide attempts