Ellington

Senior Pei Ju Chou participated in the Youth Suicide Prevention Program in her high school, but when she came to the UW, she was stunned to discover that the university did not offer a similar program to help college students and staff.

“I tried to find something of similar nature to join; UW didn’t have anything,” Chou said.

With the help of her Stevens Court roommates, the Suicide Prevention Team UW was born.

“We provide knowledge to people about where they can go on campus to seek help,” said Chou, who is the president of the club. “We promote awareness and how to recognize warning signs for suicide.”

The group’s goal is to make the UW a safer place by letting members of the UW community know how and where to seek help on campus.

“We did research to see what was available on campus and what we could bring to UW’s campus,” Chou said.

The team’s goal is prevention and awareness — not intervention.

“We are not mini-counselors,” Chou said, “Just a bunch of roomies getting together for something we believe in.”

A program still in its infancy, the suicide-prevention team is working on ways to get its message out. Right now, members spread the message of awareness and prevention in short presentations before their classes.

“We are starting in little places, hoping it will spread,” Chou said.

The team not only provides information about where community members can seek help for themselves, but also for their friends and peers. “Show you care,” “ask the question” and “get help together” are three steps the group advocates.

“It is important to actually ask, ‘Are you thinking of hurting yourself?’ to your peers if they are showing signs of risky behavior,” Chou said. “Suicide is usually a cry for help, and they will feel relieved that someone asked.”

Like many others, first-year student Ryan Harrison has noticed posters on campus for the counseling center and other places to turn to in times of crisis, but feels the suicide-prevention team brings a unique perspective.

“I don’t think it would hurt to learn how to approach people having personal crisis in order to help them,” he said.

From 5 to 9 p.m. May 15, the group is holding a benefit at Starberry, a gelato shop off of Northeast 45th Street and University Way Northeast.

“We want to get people to come there and become aware, but not in a serious manner,” Chou said. “The evening is more about stress relief and relaxation. There will be mini relaxation games and workshops; you can learn how to protect the people around you and yourself.”

The proceeds from the benefit will go to the Washington State Suicide Prevention Program.

“We’re still in the baby stage,” Chou said, “but are hoping to gain more members in order to make a greater impact on the UW community.”

Reach reporter Karleen Scharer at news@dailyuw.com.