Hope Toolkit Activity Packet

Objective: Develop a personalized set of healthy coping strategies and practice the three-step support plan through small-group role-plays.

1. Brainstorm Healthy Coping Strategies

Think of things you can do when you or a friend feels stressed, sad, or anxious. List at least five strategies below.

1. _________________________________
   
   
   
2. _________________________________
   
   
   
3. _________________________________
   
   
   
4. _________________________________
   
   
   
5. _________________________________
   
   
   

Bonus: Add two more if you’d like!

2. Build Your Personal Hope Toolkit

Divide your toolkit into these categories. Fill in as many items or people as you can.

People I Trust:

• _________________________________
  
  
  
• _________________________________
  
  
  

Places or Spaces That Feel Safe:

• _________________________________
  
  
  
• _________________________________
  
  
  

Activities That Boost My Mood:

• _________________________________
  
  
  
• _________________________________
  
  
  

Reminders & Encouraging Quotes:

• _________________________________
  
  
  
• _________________________________
  
  
  

3. Role-Play Scenarios

Form groups of three. Assign roles: Person A (experiencing warning signs), Person B (supportive friend), Observer.

Scenario 1: A notices they’ve been sleeping too little and isolating themselves. B approaches with care.

Scenario 2: A expresses feeling trapped after a big test. B responds using the three-step support plan.

Instructions:

• Person B practices: Notice → Ask & Listen → Seek Help.
• Observer notes which questions or phrases felt most helpful.
• Switch roles so each student practices as the helper.

Reflection Questions (for each group):

• What did B say or ask that felt caring?
  
  
  
• What step was hardest to practice? Why?
  
  
  
• How did it feel to play the role of A, B, and Observer?
  
  
  

4. Personal Reflection

Answer the questions below after the role-plays.

1. Which coping strategy from your brainstorm will you try this week? Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. How will you remind yourself to use your Hope Toolkit when you’re feeling down?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. What is one thing you learned about supporting a friend in distress?
   
   
   
   
   
   

You Matter. Keep this packet in a safe place and revisit it anytime you or someone you care about needs hope and connection.

You Matter Discussion Guide

Purpose: Facilitate an open, supportive conversation about hope, warning signs, myths vs. facts, and the importance of talking about mental health.

Time: 8–10 minutes

1. Opening Reflection (2 minutes)

• Display the slide “What Is Hope?” from the You Matter Slide Deck.
• Ask:
  • “What does hope mean to you?”
  • “Can you share a moment when hope helped you through a tough time?”
• Follow-up prompts:
  • “How did sharing that make you feel?”
  • “Why might hope be important when someone feels overwhelmed?”

2. Recognizing Warning Signs (3 minutes)

• Refer to the “Recognizing Warning Signs” slide.
• Ask:
  • “Which warning sign surprised you most? Why?”
  • “Why do you think people sometimes hide these signs?”
• Follow-up prompts:
  • “How might you gently check in with someone showing these signs?”
  • “What barriers might stop someone from speaking up?”

3. Myths vs. Facts (3 minutes)

• Display the “Myths vs. Facts” slide.
• Read one myth aloud (e.g., “Talking about suicide causes it.”) and invite thumbs-up/thumbs-down for whether it’s true or false.
• Ask:
  • “Why do you think people believe this myth?”
  • “What difference does it make to know the fact?”
• Follow-up prompts:
  • “How can we help others understand the fact?”
  • “What words or actions reduce stigma?”

4. Applying What We’ve Learned (2 minutes)

• Transition: “Now that we understand signs and facts, let’s think about action.”
• Ask:
  • “If a friend seemed withdrawn or talked about feeling trapped, what would you say first?”
  • “Which step of the three-step plan (Notice → Ask & Listen → Seek Help) feels most natural? Which feels hardest?”
• Follow-up prompts:
  • “What might make asking someone how they feel easier?”
  • “Who could you turn to if you needed support practicing these steps?”

5. Closing & Next Steps

• Summarize key takeaways: importance of hope, spotting warning signs, debunking myths, and open conversation.
• Point students to the upcoming Hope Toolkit Activity Packet and Resource List Handout.
• Encourage volunteers to share one word that captures how they feel after today’s discussion.

Facilitator Tips:

• Offer a “quiet corner” or counselor check-in pass for anyone needing extra support.
• Validate all contributions: “Thank you for sharing.”
• Model active listening: maintain eye contact, nod, and reflect back what you hear.
• Watch for nonverbal cues: if a student seems upset, check in privately later.

You Matter. Your voice can bring hope.

Resource List Handout

Use this handout to quickly find help when you or someone you know needs support. Keep this sheet somewhere you can access it easily.

National Hotlines

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth): 1-866-488-7386 or www.thetrevorproject.org

Online Resources

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website: suicidepreventionlifeline.org
• Crisis Text Line website: crisistextline.org
• Teen Mental Health: teenmentalhealth.org
• Anxiety & Depression Association of America: adaa.org

School-Based Supports

School Counselor
Name: _________________________________
Phone/Extension: ________________________

School Nurse
Name: _________________________________
Phone/Extension: ________________________

Trusted Teacher or Mentor
Name: _________________________________
Phone/Extension: ________________________

Local Community Resources

Local Crisis Center
Name: _________________________________
Phone: _________________________________

Community Mental Health Clinic
Name: _________________________________
Phone: _________________________________

Other Support (e.g., Pastor, Coach, Family Member)
Name: _________________________________
Phone: _________________________________

Keep this handout with you or take a photo so you always have these numbers and contacts ready. Remember: You Matter, and help is always available.