WISE initiative with lesson on being a safe person for those struggling with mental health

NOW: WISE initiative with lesson on being a safe person for those struggling with mental health
NEXT:

The Wisconsin Initiative for Stigma Elimination (WISE), staffed and partially funded by Rogers Behavioral Health, has created a new tool for people who want to offer support to others, to identify as a “Safe Person” one can feel comfortable talking to.

WISE has created the attached decal for people to display in their offices, home, cars and social media to let people know that they are willing to offer a non-judgmental listening ear and effective support when able.

The decal includes seven promises people seek to do: 1.Acknowledge that reaching out for support is a strength. 2.Listen and react non-judgmentally. 3.Respond in a calm and reassuring manner. 4.Reflect back the feelings, strengths, and ideas I hear when listening. 5.Ask how I can be helpful and respond as I am able. 6.Do what I can to connect to other supports if asked. 7.Maintain confidentiality and communicate if exceptions exist. The decal can be downloaded at safeperson.org

According to Sue McKenzie, WISE facilitative co-leader, “This concept is being introduced into places of business, congregations, and schools, like Hamilton High School in Waukesha County and Audubon High Schools where teen mentors were not only trained on the promises, but also helped to create a video about how to be a Safe Person. 

To learn how to get the decal click here

Share this article: