Utah students receive Hope Squad's mental health support training

PROVO — Students struggling with mental health have a resource they can tap into where they feel safe and heard.

KSL-TV sat in on a special training held in Provo on Tuesday with student leaders from across the state.

Hope Squad officers and their advisors were at Scenic View Academy learning strategies from one another about what's working in their schools and how they can make students feel more happy and included.

These students may look like they're taking off a day of classes, but the lessons learned here can help save lives.

"We're people that people trust," said Brooke Jensen, a Hope Squad officer at Timpview High School. "I had a friend a while ago joking about suicide, and I said, 'That's not a joke,'" Jensen said.

Made to feel comfortable

Fellow students struggling with suicidal ideation can lean on the Hope Squad.

"We ask them more about it, ask questions, persuade them to talk to someone, and then refer them to a counselor," Jensen said.

But first, they have to make them feel comfortable.

Hope Sybrowsky is also a Hope Squad officer from Timpview High. She says students are balancing a lot – homework, work, sports and friends.

"There's so many things people have going on that they get really stressed," Sybrowsky said.

She says the key is to plan fun activities at school. Some squads organize karaoke and dance parties and service projects to help students feel included.

When they're ready to open up, Sybrowsky says she lets them know they're not alone.

'You're worth it'

"Having the basics of 'I'm here for you,' and 'You're always going to be my friend,no matter what,'" she said. "You're worth it, your presence matters."

Alex Hansen is a Hope Squad advisor from Ridgeline High School. With a school of 1,900 students and 100 Hope Squad members, he is inspired by their selfless actions.

"We just wanna open doors for connections and relationships," Hansen said. "It's nice to have an army of so many students helping out."

Parents can be part of the process too. Hansen says Hope Squads could always use parent volunteers to help them with activities. You are urged to check with your child's school to see how you can get involved.

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