James: “Here For You”

James motivation for his Peer Project Grant came from hearing people say that they feel alone or have no one they feel comfortable reaching out to. He also felt that sometimes outreach fails because it lacks intimacy.  Therefore, he wanted his project to initiate the development of peer support networks in his high school community.

James used his grant money to provide silicon bracelets to the entire school with the words “Here For You” inscribed on them. James encouraged students and faculty to write their names on the inside of the bracelet and to give the bracelet to a friend so they would know that they have support and are not alone.

In coordinating the distribution of the bracelets, James invited 2 guest speakers to his school along with the principal to talk about mental health, suicide prevention and available resources. Students were given the option to not participate, school counselors were on hand for anyone who needed to reach out and students were informed about the 988 Crisis Lifeline.

Here are just a few of the many testimonials received from participants:

“This presentation definitely broadened my thinking about the people that I can talk to about anything that I would need and how to cope with it in a healthy way”.

“I really loved this activity because every time we talk about this, it slowly breaks the stigma. And, I thought it was a really cool thing to do because it was nice receiving bracelets and knowing that I have people who care about me."

Thank you James for creating this intimate peer-to-peer project for your entire school community.