Peer Supporter FAQ

How does outlive’s peer support program work?

What does the program offer to peer supporters?

Who can apply to be an outlive peer supporter?

What is the selection process?

What will Outlive peer supporters do?

Is this a paid program?

How can I apply?

How does outlive’s peer support program work?

Outlive’s peer support program aims to improve young people’s access to peer support for youth suicide prevention. As part of the program, we are training a network of young volunteers across India as peer supporters to provide chat-based emotional support to youth experiencing distress or having thoughts of ending their life. Outlive’s peer supporters are supported by Outlive peer mentors through regular individual and group mentoring.

What does the program offer to peer supporters?

As an Outlive peer supporter, you will help prevent urban youth suicides and make a difference!

You will be trained in providing emotional support to young people (who are similar to you!) experiencing distress or having thoughts of ending their life.
You will refine your interpersonal communication and emotional support skills. These are skills that will help you personally as well as professionally!
You will be supported by peer mentors, who will help train you and guide you every step of the way on your journey as a peer supporter.
You will also receive a certificate of recognition acknowledging the time you have volunteered with Outlive.

Who can apply to be an outlive peer supporter?

You don’t need to have a background or qualification in mental health or suicide prevention to become an Outlive Peer Supporter.

We are looking for young people who:

are 18-24 years old
reside in India
are fluent in English, Hindi, Kannada or Marathi
own a device with internet access

If you are passionate about youth suicide prevention, apply to become an Outlive peer supporter today!

What will Outlive peer supporters do?

Outlive peer supporters will undergo training (online or hybrid mode) to provide emotional support to youth experiencing distress and having thoughts of ending their life. Post training, we expect peer supporters to volunteer 7 hours per week (flexible between 3pm to 9pm) for a minimum of 3 months to provide online chat-based support via Outlive Chat. Peer supporters will receive regular mentorship and support from trained peer mentors.

Testimonials

The peer supporter was very supportive and reassured me exactly how I wanted to be reassured.

Outlive chat support seeker

She helped me out; she is a good one who supported me when I was feeling lonely. Now I am feeling good because of that peer, thanks to this platform!

Outlive chat Support seeker

The volunteering brought a sense of purpose and despite the limited people I could help through the platform, I know the learnings will remain for life. I try to utilize them in my everyday conversations and focus on my own well-being through self-care.

Outlive peer supporter (volunteering feedback)

For me it was an eye-opener about how mental health is connected to suicide.

Outlive YASP Fellow

The workshops were engaging, and the team was very open. I got to learn alot from the other mentors and the collaborative process really added to the learning. The workshops provided structure and a lot of clarity for the project and the expectations and now I am eager to take this forward.

Outlive peer supporter (training feedback)

This program helped me to look past the preconceived notions and misinformation regarding suicide prevention and gain an evidence-based understanding of the struggles and factors affecting suicide especially in young adults. The facilitators were very knowledgeable and created a safe space for the supporters to ask questions and resolve doubts. The in-depth approach really helped me imbibe the training given and use it effectively

Outlive peer supporter (training feedback)

I learnt how to be more empathetic and also got a real picture of how events can affect individuals. It's hard to accept when one hasn't experienced similar events, but the impact can be detrimental, and in those times it's important to reach out to a safe space. Outlive does that.

Outlive peer supporter (volunteering feedback)

Made me very independent and direct - confident - we were able to highlight the points that we wanted implemented. YASP gave us this empowerment to do it as youth - empowered us to speak in front of these policymakers.

Outlive YASP Fellow