Seneca Valley High School has a “Hope Squad,” a student-based organization meant to reduce youth suicide through education, training and peer intervention, which had a retreat Wednesday.

This is not only great for the students who are helped by the Hope Squad, but it’s good for the members of the squad themselves, who may find their calling in helping to address the mental health needs of others.

Hope Squad members are nominated by their peers as being easy to talk to, great listeners and naturally supportive of struggling students who are in need of a friend. The program trains and mentors Hope Squad members to perform intentional outreach with fellow students. Hope Squad student members do not provide counseling or therapy, they instead serve as a connection to the help that is needed.

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