Building positive connections amongst students
Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health problems experienced by young people, yet many find it difficult to tell anyone what they are going through. Research has shown that when struggling with a major problem or issue young people are more likely to turn to one of their friends rather than an adult for support. Stride’s Supportive/Fantastic Friends programs informs students in how to recognise, reach out and support their fellow students who are exhibiting signs of isolation, aggression or general anti-social, unhappy behaviour.
How Supportive / Fantastic Friends works
Students chosen to be Supportive/ Fantastic Friends in their school explore what it means to be good friends, peers and are trained in basic mentoring skills. These skills help them to recognise early warning signs of depression or anxiety an offer an open and caring dialogue with students. This gives young people an avenue to express their feelings to someone they can relate too and feel safe with. However, students who participate in the Supportive / Fantastic Friends program are not expected to be counsellors, but are instead asked to use their training and refer serious issues on to a trusted adult or encourage the students experiencing the issues to seek adult assistance. Supportive Friends is designed for Upper Secondary Students whilst, Fantastic Friends is designed for Upper Primary Students.
About the Training
During the one-day Supportive / Fantastic Friends workshop, participants learn:
- How to make connections with other students.
- How to listen and respond appropriately.
- Why it is important to understand ours and other people’s feelings.
- How to build long lasting trust.
- How to handle issues when they arrive.
- When it is necessary to get adult’s help.
The training involves practical exercises and interactive activities that encourage discussion and cooperation and cover the program learning outcomes. Stride facilitators provide training directly to students within the school and detailed resource material is provided for the continuation of the program and to reiterate learning outcomes. Supportive/Fantastic Friends can be run at both primary and secondary school levels.
To make an enquiry or booking for your school, please click the button below.
Testimonials
“We learnt how to recognise the warning signs of depression and anxiety, how to cope with stress and how to approach friends in need.”
Year 11 student
“We learned to get help from an adult when a situation is serious.”
Year 12 student