Home Suicide Prevention Resource Center SPRC

Natural Helpers of South Dakota

Human Service Agency - NEPRC

Website: https://www.sdsuicideprevention.org/natural-helpers

Program Type

Education or Training Program

Cost

$2,501 or more

Evidence Type

Empirically-Defined Evidence

SPRC Comprehensive Approach

Identify and Assist, Increase Help-Seeking, Life Skills and Resilience, Connectedness

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Program or Intervention Summary

Natural Helpers of South Dakota is a peer-led support program that empowers middle and high school students to help one another in positive, healthy, and effective ways. Recognizing that youth often turn to friends first during difficult times, the program strengthens natural peer support networks while teaching students how to safely support others and connect them to trusted adults when needed. Participants receive training in active listening, communication, empathy, problem-solving, self-care, and recognizing warning signs related to bullying, emotional distress, substance misuse, and suicidal thoughts. The program also emphasizes leadership, healthy decision-making, teamwork, and understanding when concerns require adult intervention. Through these skills, Natural Helpers help create safer, more connected, and supportive school environments. Program goals include strengthening peer support systems, improving communication and helping skills, increasing early identification of concerns, promoting healthy choices, reducing stigma around seeking help, and enhancing connections between students and trusted adults. The program also helps students build resilience and awareness of mental health, suicide prevention, and substance use resources. Evaluation data show significant increases in participants’ knowledge, confidence, and willingness to help peers experiencing challenges. Following the training, students reported stronger understanding of warning signs, improved ability to support others, greater awareness of community resources, and increased confidence in referring peers to trusted adults such as counselors and teachers. Students also indicated stronger connections to adults within their schools and a greater appreciation for self-care. Natural Helpers training is available to middle schools, high schools, and youth-serving organizations across South Dakota, with the capacity to be implemented nationwide. Students are selected through anonymous surveys and staff recommendations to ensure representation of trusted and approachable peers. Adult advisors continue to provide guidance and support following the training to reinforce skills and encourage ongoing peer support efforts. Overall, the program strengthens school connectedness, promotes prevention and early intervention, and empowers youth to positively impact the health, safety, and well-being of their communities.

Type Education or Training Program
Setting In-person, PK-12 School, Tribal communities
Languages English
Study Method Quantitative Design
Study Type Quasi-experimental
Implementer Requirement Adults, Teens, K-12 school faculty and staff
Training Requirement Yes
Delivery Options In-Person
Risk and Protective Factors Sense of hopelessness, Bullying, Loss of relationships, Social isolation, Stigma associated with help-seeking and mental illness, Effective coping and problem-solving skills, Support from partners, friends, and family, Feeling connected to others, Feeling connected to school, community, and other social institutions

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