What is a peer helper program? A peer helper program is a team of teens
that have been trained by a certified peer program educator to provide
services to others. Peer helping groups may focus on one issue, such
as drugs or suicide or focus on many issues. If you think you're
a great listener and could be a great peer helper and are willing to
take the time to train, you might want to consider joining or starting
a peer helping program in your community or at your school.
The following list should help you to think through the necessary steps for joining or starting a peer helper group.
Research Existing Peer Helper Programs in your Community
Joining a pre-existing program is easier than setting up your own operation. Funding a new group for training also can be an issue. Be sure to exhaust pre-existing options before starting out on your own. If you are having trouble finding a group in your area, you can call the National Peer Helpers Association toll-free for a list of qualified programs: 1-877-314-7337.
Finding an Adult Supervisor
All legitimate peer helper programs must be developed in partnership with a certified peer program educator and follow standards of conduct. The Freevibe Website has#ENDIF information about both. As you know, teens deal with some very serious issues and you must work with a qualified professional when developing a training program. Discuss your ideas with your school counselor, principal, health teacher, social worker, nurse, etc.
Time Commitment
Peer helping requires more time and commitment than other hobbies. If you join or start a group, you will be holding yourself up as a role model for other teens. You'll have to practice what you preach and also be willing to spend your free time both training and eventually helping your peers with serious issues.
Type of Program
Depending on the structure of your school or community, a peer helping program may or may not be something that is easy to join or start up. If the school or community-based option doesn't seem to be available, do some online research or discuss the idea with your parent, guardian, principal, or clergy member. They'll have ideas about other organizations in the community that might like to develop a peer program. Perhaps there is a local anti-drug coalition that would like to work with you and your friends to establish a peer-helping program? You'll never know unless you ask.
Resources for Joining or Developing a Peer Helpers Group
The National Peer Helpers Association has partnered with Freevibe to provide you with assistance in finding information about joining or starting a peer-helping program in your community. You can contact the organization at their toll-fee number (1-877-314-7337) for a list of qualified peer helping programs in your area or ask for advice in starting a group.
| 
