HelpNet

HelpNet is a program facilitated by the University of Denver Health and Counseling Center for members of DU who are natural helpers. HelpNet members are selected and trained to enhance student awareness of mental health and wellness throughout the DU community. Additionally, you will disseminate information about the services provided by the Health and Counseling Center and decrease the stigma associated with seeking counseling. As natural leaders within the community, HelpNet will help improve your skills so that you can continue to serve as positive role models and leaders for the campus community.

What do HelpNet Members do?

Becoming a DU HelpNet member extends opportunities for both personal and professional growth. As a HelpNet member, you will be thoroughly trained in recognizing and describing mental health concerns and will assist your peers in locating appropriate resources either on campus or in the community. Additionally, you will learn skills to help insure that you do not burn out in the natural helper roles that you are providing. You will also create a support network with fellow peers who are interested in leadership and enhancing the wellbeing of your DU community. Although you will not provide counseling, as a HelpNet member you will enhance interpersonal and support skills which will help prepare you to function in leadership roles where you live, learn, and work.

What are the expectations and responsibilities of a HelpNet Member at DU?

  • HelpNet members will become knowledgeable about common mental health concerns of college students and be able to make effective referrals and increase help seeking behavior on campus.
  • HelpNet members are approachable, good listeners, good leaders, respected by their peers, and possess good communication skills.
  • HelpNet members are creative and are willing to look at problems from different perspectives.
  • HelpNet members will strive to be positive role models within the DU community.
  • HelpNet members will maintain confidentiality of fellow HelpNet members and other members of the community.

What are the benefits of becoming a HelpNet Member?

  • Learn valuable skills that will help in furthering your professional career.
  • Help students in need by raising awareness of mental health concerns.
  • Become part of a network of support.
  • Opportunity to meet new people at DU.

What happens and what are the requirements for HelpNet training?

Peers are selected and supervised by the Health and Counseling Center and must attend an initial orientation meeting, along with five scheduled trainings throughout the term. Training sessions will occur weekly and last up to an hour and a half and will cover topics including the nature of crisis and struggle, core support skills, how to avoid burnout, recognizing and responding others' distress, common student mental health concerns and awareness of key supportive resources on campus. The training sessions are highly interactive and focused on real issues and concerns. HelpNet members are also encouraged to support other initiatives and activities organized by HelpNet including special interest sessions, peer education efforts and general advocacy to promote mental health on campus.

How do I become a HelpNet Member?

HelpNet members are DU students who promote healthy lifestyles and supportive resources on campus. We seek energetic, compassionate, and creative members of DU with good social skills and good judgment who are committed to educating others about mental health issues and resources.

Applications will be taken for the 2012 training through April 6th. You can fill out an application below, or pick up an application packet at the Health and Counseling Center. Your application must be received by date to be chosen later to be considered. Applications are reviewed by the Outreach Coordinator for appropriateness for the program and all applicants will be contacted before the beginning of Spring Quarter to be notified of their status with the program.

HelpNet Nomination

Do you know someone who people go to for advice? Someone who can give you a hand when you're down on your luck? Then nominate them to be a part of HelpNet!

Their name:
Their email address:

Please note that nominees reserve the right to decline involvment with HelpNet.

 

HelpNet Application

Name:
Date:
Email Address:
Local Address:
Home Phone:
Cell Phone:
Major:
Class / Year:

Short Answer Questions

  1. Please briefly describe why you are interested in joining HelpNet. What do you feel you can contribute?


  2. List any extracurricular activities in which you are currently involved (e.g. hobbies, clubs, sports teams, residence hall communities, fraternities/sororities, service organizations). Please note any leadership positions held.


  3. Describe some of your strengths and limitations. Include some statements of those areas in which you hope to grow during your Helpnet experience.

Questions?
Please contact Regina Hund, Psy.D. at (303) 871-4307 or email helpnet@hcc.du.edu

Adapted from the Student Development & Counseling Center, Worcester Polytechnic Institute.