Peer support for first responders
Peer support can create a safe and supportive workplace culture. It can increase awareness of mental health challenges and suicide prevention while decreasing the stigmas. Peer support can include discussions about mental health and open communication for people to talk about things that are weighing on them. It is not psychotherapy but is intended to help connect individuals to resources.
Are you interested in bringing peer support to your workplace? The Riverside Trauma Center’s Peer Support program offers trainings and consulting to first responder groups and departments. You can become part of a statewide network of peer supporters and bring peer support training to your team.
- Learn more about the program: First Responders Peer Support PDF l Doc
- Email to get started: workplaceSP@riversidecc.org
The Riverside Trauma Center and MindWise also offer a list of first responder support and mental health resources.
Mental health in the construction industry
DPH's resource Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry: A Resource for Champions PDF| Doc provides a starting point for increasing awareness of suicide risk in the construction industry about how to bring support to construction workers. You'll find best practices for reaching and engaging construction workers, snapshots of success, and training resources and guides.
Critical incident response
Riverside Trauma Center offers support services including on-site response, grief counseling, and referrals to help people after critical incidents. The center also coordinates the statewide Riverside-Massachusetts Trauma Response Network, which trains and partners with other organizations to develop locally-based response teams throughout the Commonwealth.
- For immediate assistance related to a critical incident, call (781) 433-0672 to reach the 24-hour Critical Incident Response Line
- To request virtual and in-person trauma consultation and training services, visit MindWise Innovation’s “Find A Training” library
Trainings
Mental Health First Aid at Work
Mental Health First Aid at Work is a training that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training can help open up discussions about mental health and substance use challenges in your workplace, and boost team morale and resiliency.
- To bring the training to your workplace, fill out the Mental Health First Aid at Work form
- To learn more, visit their frequently asked questions
DPH Suicide Prevention Program trainings
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) Suicide Prevention Program offers training on mental health first aid and other suicide prevention topics.
- To find upcoming availability, visit the DPH Suicide Prevention Training Calendar
- If you have questions, please contact DPH-MA-SuicidePrevention@mass.gov
Suicide prevention resources
Visit Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Service Providers for a sample of some of the many organizations and providers in Massachusetts that that can assist individuals with lived experiences and mental health struggles receive accessible, inclusive, and effective services.
Share support options
Therapy and other mental health support
Trusted resources for men seeking therapy, crisis support, or other mental health services.
Support for veterans & military service members
Find programs and support from organizations in Massachusetts and nationally that are designed to serve veterans, active military members, and their families.
Support for first responders
Share services from organizations that are designed to support first responders.