Natural Helpers is a peer-helping program used across the United States and in several other countries.
The Natural Helpers program is based on the simple premise: Within every school, an informal "helping network" exists. Students with problems naturally seek out other students-- and ocassionally teachers or other school staff-- whom they trust. They seek them out for advice, for assistance, or just a sympathetic ear.The Natural Helpers program uses this existing network; it provides training for students and adults who are already identified as "natural" helpers. It gives them the skills they need to provide help more effectively to young people who seek them out.
Natural Helpers is a cross section of students and adults identified through an anonymous schoolwide survey. They receive at least 30 hours of training in a retreat setting; there they learn how to improve their helping skills, how to contact helping resources when problems exceed their limits, and how to better care for themselves.
Natural Helpers report significant benefits from being involved in the program. They find the skills they learn and practice in working with others are beneficial with friends, teachers, family, and coworkers. They make new friends in the program and break down some of the barriers that exist in any community. Natural Helpers also experience the special feeling that comes from helping someone else and knowing that they have made a difference.