A new program from Kinston Teens is aiming to equip local teenagers with mental health awareness skills while helping them become leaders in their community.
The nonprofit recently launched its inaugural Peer Wellness Leaders Program, a summer initiative designed for youth ages 14 to 18. Participants receive Teen Mental Health First Aid certification, leadership training and opportunities to develop community-based projects.
Bridget T. Rouse, youth engagement manager for Kinston Teens, said the program was created to help young people recognize signs of mental health crises and provide support to their peers.
“We have young people ages 14 to 18 come in to, of course, meet with us, but they are ultimately getting trained and certified through Trillium to get the Teen Mental Health First Aid certification,” Rouse said.
According to Rouse, students participating in the program learn how to identify warning signs of mental health challenges, who to contact for help and how to serve as a safe and supportive presence for other young people.
Interest in the program exceeded expectations. Rouse said more than 35 students applied, but only 12 were selected for the inaugural cohort.
“We’re hoping to have even more in the future,” she said.
In addition to certification training, participants will gain hands-on leadership and service experience throughout the summer. The program runs through mid-August.
Kinston Teens founder and Executive Director Chris Suggs continues to oversee the organization’s expanding slate of youth programs, Rouse said.
The goal, she added, is for participants to take what they learn and share it with others.
“We hope that we can equip our 12 young folks with us this summer to, of course, get certified and then just being them to go out and teach one another, be the safe space and tell somebody else, ‘Hey, I got trained. Why don’t you come and figure out and give it a try yourself?’”
Participants who complete the program will receive a $450 stipend. Additional benefits include documented service hours that can be used for college and scholarship applications, mentorship opportunities and connections with community leaders.
Rouse said she hopes the program will continue beyond the summer, with another cohort potentially launching later this year.
Mental health awareness has become an increasingly important topic among young people, and organizers hope the training will help create a stronger support network throughout the community.
More information about the Peer Wellness Leaders Program is available through Kinston Teens at kinstonteens.org.