Hope Squad

About Us

BYU–Hawaii is an organization that meets every Wednesday in the Cultural Hall of the Stake Center on campus from 4:00 to 5:00 PM.

The BYU–Hawaii Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program where students are nominated by their classmates as trustworthy and trained to recognize and respond to signs of distress in their peers.

They are not meant to be counselors, but rather a bridge to connect students in need with trusted adults and resources. Hope Squads aim to foster human connection, reduce stigma around mental health, and create a supportive environment within the school community.

• Peer Nomination:
  Students are chosen by their classmates, indicating they are seen as approachable and trustworthy. 
• Training:
  Hope Squad members receive training weekly on how to identify warning signs of suicide, how to approach and listen to a struggling peer, and how to connect them with appropriate support. 
• Not Counselors:
  Importantly, Hope Squad members are not meant to act as therapists or counselors. Their role is to be a first point of contact, a safe space for students to share concerns, and a facilitator for connecting them with trained professionals. 
• Focus on Connection:
  Hope Squads emphasize the importance of human connection and creating a culture of support and understanding within the school. 
• Stigma Reduction:
  Hope Squads work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide by promoting open communication and encouraging students to seek help when needed. 
• Evidence-Based Approach:
  Hope Squads utilize an evidence-based curriculum and approach to suicide prevention, ensuring their training and interventions are effective.