Northwest Hope Squad spreads positive messages to students

September 25, 2023

Members of the Lincoln Northwest High School Hope Squad want all of their classmates to feel valued, respected and cared for.

Eighteen members of the Northwest Hope Squad are spreading these messages of hope through heart-filled organized activities during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
 
Northwest Hope Squad members Quinn and Feryal joined the group when it began last spring. Both seniors said they are passionate about helping others with their social, emotional and mental health concerns.
 
“Mental health means a lot to me because I know how many people are suffering, and I want to be able to spread positivity and show that you can talk about it,” Quinn said.
 
“I just wanted to be an outlet for some people in case they are struggling with mental health,” Feryal said. “Instead of thinking that something’s wrong with them, they can talk to me, or I can get them help.”

Lincoln Public Schools Social Work Coordinator Andrea Phillips said Northwest Hope Squad members are making a difference with their caring attitudes.
 
“We are very proud of the Hope Squad at Northwest for all of their creative ideas to bring attention to Suicide Prevention Awareness Month,” Phillips said. “Since the Hope Squad was formed last year, they have hit the ground running and have gone above and beyond to spread awareness to their peers. Suicide prevention is so important and we are so grateful that these students are spreading hope.”
 
Quinn teamed up with fellow Hope Squad member Jack for the suicide prevention video that was shown to the entire school.
 
“I’m hoping that we can really show that talking about it is okay and that we can work together to get through mental health,” Quinn said. “You can look at someone and think they’re doing just fine, but on the inside they’re not.”

Hope Squad members also asked Northwest students to write positive messages on hearts for a Wall of Hope. Hundreds of hearts are now posted near the student entrance. “Someone loves you,” “You are beautiful” and “Keep going, you can do it” are some of the inspirational phrases spread across the wall.
 
“I’m really happy with how many people chose to be a part of this,” Jack said. “I wasn’t sure how it would go, but everyone’s really responded to it. It’s been great to see.”
 
Feryal said she believes the Northwest Hope Squad can help every student feel valued, respected and cared for.
 
“Being in Hope Squad has taught me to notice the small things,” Feryal said. “Even the small things make a big difference.”

To support the effort, Northwest sports teams found ways to promote awareness about suicide prevention. Softball players wore teal and purple bracelets, the volleyball team displayed a suicide prevention awareness flag and student-fans wore “Sack the Stigma” t-shirts during the Sept. 21 football game.

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that suicide was the second-leading cause of death for adolescents ages 10-14, and it was the third-leading cause of death for those ages 15-24.

Hope Squads have been present at LPS sites for several years, but last spring Lincoln Public Schools went district-wide with the initiative. Additional grant funding provided training for Hope Squad advisors at all middle and high schools.
 
Students in grades 7-12 are nominated by their peers for Hope Squads each year. They are trustworthy, kind and willing to care for others. They learn how to identify signs of suicide and what steps to take to save lives.
 
Phillips said she has been happy with the accomplishments of Hope Squads across the district.
 
“Bringing Hope Squads to all secondary schools has been amazing,” Phillips said. “Students are aware that suicide is a topic kids talk about, and they are happy to learn how to connect their friends with a trusted adult. LPS students have really exceeded our expectations with their ideas, and we look forward to watching Hope Squads continue to grow.”

Students have many places to turn for help if either they or a friend are experiencing depression, trauma or other mental health concerns:
 
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
CenterPointe Helpline (Lincoln): 402-475-6695
Nebraska Family Helpline: 1-888-866-8660
Lincoln Police Department: 402-441-6000 (non-emergency) or 911 (emergency)
 
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