Students meet Sasha and Andre, animated video characters from Erika’s Lighthouse who talk about normal and overwhelming feelings. Sasha describes her “ugly” day and how her mom suggests ways to help herself feel better through self-care. Andre talks about how his negative emotions don’t want to go away and suggests that talking to an adult can be the key to getting support that works. Students learn the term “trusted adult” and discuss why it is important to talk to an adult about your feelings, especially those “overwhelming feelings.”

Students identify and discuss positive and negative emotions and when they are likely to experience them. Coping skills are taught and students practice moving from a negative outlook to a positive one through the use of role play.

Students learn about depression and anxiety, the most commonly diagnosed mental illness in teens. Through activities and discussion, they explore warning signs for depression, anxiety and suicide, how to support peers showing these signs, and most importantly, how to express those concerns to a trusted adult. An exercise in how to discern clues in text messages and social media is included.

Recommended for middle school and early high school students.

(click here to watch the short video)

This national, evidence-based certification program teaches the basics of preventing suicide. After this training, participants will know common warning signs of suicide and how to get help for someone having a mental health emergency. They will also become familiar with symptoms of depression and learn what resources are available for those in need. QPR saves lives by empowering educators, congregations, workplaces, and other groups to ask about suicide, persuade someone that help is needed, and refer someone to care and support.

90 minutes including practice role play; limited to 30 people (ages 15+)

This national, evidence-based certification program prepares individuals to become suicide-alert helpers in the community. Attendees will learn to recognize suicide risk and warning signs, how to ask someone about suicidal thoughts, how to provide safety, why we so often miss, dismiss, or avoid suicide, and how to connect someone with suicidal thoughts to care and support.

Powerful videos are used to model the helping steps, and participants have the opportunity to practice through role-play.

3.5 hours; limited to 30 participants. ages 15+

Suicidal desperation impacts church members, leaders, and clergy. Where do we find suicidal desperation in the Bible? In this Bible-based training, attendees will learn how to minister to those who are currently considering suicide, those who are anxious that a family member or friend might be considering suicide, those that have lost a loved one to suicide, and those who have experienced suicidal thinking in the past but are no longer having those thoughts.

Sometimes all people need is a sign that they are supposed to live. You can be that sign when you learn to talk about suicide and lead people to help.

Two hours; group size may vary.
If your congregation is interested in hosting a Soul Shop for Congregations workshop, contact us to schedule this program.

This short, informative program offers insights into the Foundation, its mission, vision, and various programs.