About Natural Helpers of South Dakota
The Natural Helpers of South Dakota program was created in 2022 in collaboration with the Association of Peer Program Professionals to meet program standards to become a certified peer program. In 2025, the program underwent an update to create a more cohesive look and developed a participant workbook to go along with the training for participants to take home as reference. The update also includes a user-friendly Ongoing Training guide for advisors. This is based off the Natural Helpers program that was originally developed in Washington state in 1979 when school leaders were concerned about teenage suicides and other problems. Students were chosen through an anonymous school-wide survey and were provided training on how to assist their friends and disseminate accurate information.
Natural Helpers of South Dakota is funded by SAMHSA grant number SM084331.
Students and staff learn skills to become better Natural Helpers, including:
- Qualities & expectations
- Importance of self-care
- Listening & communication
- Knowing when friends need help
- Situations that require professional help
- Expressing care & concern
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Available Resources
1.
Students and school adults are chosen to participate based on an anonymous survey and staff recommendations.
2.
Students and staff learn skills to become better Natural Helpers, including:
- Qualities & expectations
- Importance of self-care
- Listening & communication
- Knowing when friends need help
- Situations that require professional help
- Expressing care & concern
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Available Resources
3.
Adult advisors monitor the Natural Helpers and provide additional training and support as needed.
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