Hope Squad

About Us

BYU–Hawaii Hope Squad is an organization that meets every Thursday at 11:00 am in HGB room 135.

The BYU–Hawaii Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program where students are nominated by the Hope Squad student team, as well as campus administration, faculty, and staff. They are seen 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 Squad aims to foster human connection, reduce stigma related to mental health, and create a supportive environment within the campus community.

Nomination

Students are nominated as an indication that 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. These trainings are called Hope Talks and Hope Training.

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 person to share concerns with, and a facilitator for connecting them with trained professionals. 

Focus on Connection

Hope Squad emphasizes the importance of human connection and creating a culture of support and understanding within the school. 

Stigma Reduction

Hope Squad works 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 Squad utilizes an evidence-based curriculum and approach to suicide prevention, ensuring their training and interventions are effective.

Membership

BYU–Hawaii students may become Hope Squad members by attending two Hope Talks or Hope Trainings and one QPR training facilitated by Counseling Services. An active member is defined as a student who attends at least two Hope Talks or Hope Trainings per month and participates in at least one Hope Squad-sponsored activity per month.