Natural Helpers: A Peer-Helping Program

Learn how to create a Natural Helpers Peer-Helping Program for your school!

Natural Helpers (NH) is a peer-helping program used in schools throughout the United States. It was created in 1979 in Seattle, Washington and has spread across the country to both public and private high school settings. The program is primarily for students in grades 9-12, although some middle schools have adapted the program to fit the needs of younger students.

LISELF is honored to provide schools with FREE ACCESS to the Natural Helpers Planning and Evaluation Manual and additional resources. Just click on the button below to learn more...

CLICK HERE to access 6 Natural Helpers Resources LISTED BELOW

Natural Helpers Peer-Helping Program Resources

How to View & Download NH Manual Documents:

The Natural Helpers Peer-Helping Program Manual has been divided into 6 PDFs which you may download by clicking on the button below:

Click Here to Access all NH Program Manual Documents listed Below

1. About Natural Helpers

A brief overview of the Natural Helpers Program for Secondary Schools

2. Before You Begin: Planning & Evaluation

A detailed guide to planning and evaluating your Natural Helpers Program, including planning session outlines, how to introduce the program to your school, select students, prepare for training, and much more.

3. Module 1: Planning & Evaluation Sessions

A clear and easy to follow guide for leading 11 planning meetings, including session goals, what to do before and during the meetings, as well as helpful forms and letters.

4. Summary Chart of Sessions

This helpful chart provides a brief description of the goals and objectives for each planning meeting.

5. Additional Activities

A collection of favorite energizers, mixers and ice breakers for meetings & student trainings.

6. Acknowledgements

A list of the developers of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Editions of the Natural Helpers Program, including focus group participants, pilot-test schools, and coordinators.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS ALL NH MANUAL DOCUMENTS LISTED ABOVE

NOTE: SCROLL DOWN to view the NH Information FORUM VIDEO

Questions? Contact a Natural Helper Program Leader

Coming Soon! We are developing a list of New York State Natural Helper Program Leaders who are available to discuss their programs with interested staff members and administrators from your school.

Contact List Will Be Added Soon

Natural Helpers Information Forum Video Topics:

Minutes 1 - 10: A discussion of the national mental health crisis which gives rise to the need for an expansion of Natural Helpers programs

Minutes 11- 54: A panel discussion of the “nuts and bolts” of the program by two veteran NH advisors who created the program within their home districts

Minutes 54 - 90: A presentation by the National Association of Peer Helping Professionals (NAPPP), who serve as external consultants to those districts in need of training outside of their home community.