Student Support Network Training

When students face difficulties in their lives, they are most likely to first turn to their friends for help.

At Clark, the Student Support Network (SSN) is a six-week training program that provides students with the skills to help their friends when they are struggling. Developed here in Worcester by the Student Development and Counseling Center at WPI and used by many colleges and universities across the nation, this training helps educate and train students to be an effective support system to one another. SSN provides training on:

• Week 1 – What Is Mental Health?
• Week 2 – Core Supportive Skills
• Week 3 – Depression and Anxiety
• Week 4 – Alcohol and Other Drugs
• Week 5 – Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
• Week 6 – Helping Others Get Help

SSN is an interactive training involving group discussion and role playing which provides hands-on practice to build skills and confidence in addressing difficult situations. The time commitment is one hour a week for six weeks, with meeting times changing each semester to fit student availability. After the training has completed, there is no on-going commitment.

If you’re interested in our SSN, please contact Assistant Director Shawn McGuirk.