ASK & ACT PROGRAM

ASK & ACT is a program created to address youth suicide by teaching two simple tools that can save a life.

Developed around MTV's A.S.K campaign, the ASK & ACT program promotes peer-to-peer communication about mental health, advocates for kindness to self and others, and provides youth with resources on where to go for help. The program is built around two crucial mental health tools: ASK (Acknowledge, Support, Keep-In-Touch) & ACT (Tell A Trusted Adult). Youth receive a presentation on mental health, followed by various hands-on stations that prompt creativity, communication, and kindness.

In 2024, Gabriel's Light will be providing the ASK & ACT program to youth-based organizations in the Chicago area, serving an additional 1,000 youth, 4th grade-high school. During each visit, Gabriel's Light educators will give a 30-minute educational presentation on mental health, suicide prevention, and how to utilize the ASK & ACT tool. Following the presentation, students will participate in hands-on activities including decorating self-expression canvas bags, designing positive affirmation cards, and learning how to have peer-to-peer conversations about how they're feeling.

The ASK & ACT program was developed thanks to the generous support from MTV's Mental Health Action Day grant in collaboration with Active Minds.