Trevor Lifeguard Workshop

2013

(For resources, this is the publication date. For programs, this is the date posted.)

Information

Program/Practice
The Trevor Project

Trevor Lifeguard Workshop training and materials are provided by The Trevor Project at no charge.

Trevor Lifeguard Workshop is a 1-hour interactive workshop for middle school, high school and college-age youth that describes the mental health, suicide, and self-care resources provided by The Trevor Project. There are two versions of the workshop: one for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth and one for general youth audiences. Workshops are given by volunteer facilitators who have completed the 2-day Trevor Lifeguard Workshop training for trainers. The workshop guides youth and young adults in a conversation about how to recognize the warning signs of suicide and how to respond in a way that will keep their peers safe. In addition, the workshop guides participants in a conversation about self-care strategies and helps participants identify their own personal strategies for self-care. The workshop concludes by helping the participants identify sources of support in their own environment and includes a discussion of each of the resources available through The Trevor Project, including The Trevor Lifeline, TrevorSpace, TrevorChat, and Ask Trevor.

The Lifeguard Workshop was developed by reviewing the current literature regarding suicide prevention awareness and education programs for youth and young adults, as well as current research regarding LGBTQ youth mental health issues. Through an examination of existing curricula it became evident that there was a need for an educational resource that was specifically designed to address the mental health needs of the LGBTQ community and make resources for LGBTQ youth both visible and available. 

Program Objectives

After completing Trevor Lifeguard Workshop, youth will be able to:

  1. Examine the impact of their language and actions on the experiences and mental health of their LGBTQ peers (for general youth audiences only).
  2. Identify the warning signs of depression and suicide.
  3. Describe three personal self-care strategies.
  4. Explain the ways to respond to the warning signs of suicide to keep their peers safe.
  5. Identify one supportive adult in their environment to turn to for help.
  6. Describe the services offered by The Trevor Project and how to access them.

Implementation Essentials

  • Schools that host the Lifeguard Workshop should have established protocols for addressing students who may be at risk for suicide. Teachers and staff should be aware of the protocols.
  • The Lifeguard Workshop should only be administered by trained Lifeguard Workshop Facilitators.

2012 NSSP Objectives Addressed: 

Objective 7.1: Provide training on suicide prevention to community groups that have a role in the prevention of suicide and related behaviors.