Model and Strategy
Teen suicide is a multi-determined outcome. ReachOut aims to upend the tradition of focusing on the moment of
crisis and address the roots of the problem with early, peer supported intervention. Through the ReachOut Peer
Support Network (ROPSN), ReachOut offers teens vital support and tools to cope with tough times and be resilient
against stressors that can be devastating to a young life. ReachOut tackles these issues in a youth-driven voice
that offers empathy, provides compassion and encourages help-seeking. Most teens go online daily, however they
are reticent to express mental health concerns on commonly used social media networks. With an enhanced online
platform, ReachOut will offer a sleek, anonymous and safe space for youth to find connection and resilience. By
training Bay Area teens in empathetic principles and local advocacy, ReachOut will facilitate healthy dialogues to
improve awareness and acceptance of mental wellness initiatives in local communities.
Impact
For teens participating in the peer support network, long-term benefits in addition to increased self-efficacy, help-seeking,
and mental health knowledge would include: improved coping skills, resilience, overall mental wellness,
and reduced attitudes of stigma. These factors could engender conversations among peers and open community
and family dialogues in support of mental health acceptance and encourage earlier mental illness detection,
improved treatment and better recovery.
ReachOut plans to roll out the implementation of ROPSN with an initial concentration on the Bay Area, focusing on local community needs. ReachOut will proceed with a community focus based on a state-by-state approach. ReachOut is already in the planning phases with the state of Oregon to implement an innovative tech-based youth suicide prevention program in collaboration with three other organizations that could leverage this newly launched peer support network. ReachOut will approach other state entities to replicate the success and dissemination of ROPSN and collaborate with local and national youth organizations for stakeholder integration. In 2015, ReachOut had 1.9 million US visitors to the site, with 75,000 visiting the forums. The goal is to reach 150,000 ROPSN members by 2020, ultimately impacting over 3 million people in the members’ extended networks over three years.
Leadership
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Nicola Survanshi
Executive Director