Active Minds will conduct a free, 90-minute interactive VAR Training (Validate, Appreciate, Refer) session for our students on Tuesday, September 14th at 6 pm. Training is required to become a Peer Advocate. 

The training includes:

• Three easy steps to provide a path to listening and responding in a helpful way
• Students will learn how to respond via phone, text, email, in-person and video call

Training also includes: 

• Understand the meaning and usage of the V-A-R tool.
• Identify at least three “barriers” we may have in place that may impede our willingness to engage with someone about their struggles.
• Explore circumstances that may impact mental wellness among our peers, colleagues, students, employees, family, friends, etc.
• Engage with current trends in mental health, based on data
• Discuss the value and importance of self-care as a critical component of mental health
• Take-home resources explaining the V-A-R tool
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