Spring 2020 training: 2:00pm-4:30pm on Friday February 21, February 28, and March 6
When students experience emotional and mental health difficulties, they are most likely to turn to their friends first. Peer Support Skills Training (PSST) is designed to equip students with the skills and information they need to be able to respond effectively when their friends are in struggling. The training covers:
- Listening, support and communication skills
- How to respond to emotional/mental health concerns
- How to connect students to appropriate resources
PSST is an interactive training involving group discussion and role playing to provide hands-on practice to build skills and confidence in addressing difficult situations. We ask students to make a commitment to participate in all 3 sessions. There is no on-going commitment after the training, though there may be additional training and volunteer opportunities.
Trainings are held each semester and over interterm and are open to all students. If you have questions or would like to be notified of future trainings, please contact the training instructors Alex Kim (ajkim@amherst.edu) or Andy Tew (atew@amherst.edu).
“I learned a great deal about strategies to navigate conversations I would generally be uncomfortable with.” – Lorraine Thomas, senior
“I’ve learned first and foremost how many people want to promote a healthier campus.” – Katie Pedersen, first year