BERKELEY – Central Regional School District students now have access to an app that will provide self-help resources, immediate crisis support, and anonymous communication with experts.
The HELPme App by STOPit Solutions is available for cell phones, one to one devices and Chromebooks, school officials said.
“I am excited to partner with STOPit to support our students that may not feel comfortable coming forward to an adult in the building,” Superintendent Dr. Michelle CarneyRay-Yoder said. “We want those students to know that there is a safe place to get the help they need, so that they feel loved and seen. We are here for them, and we support them and sometimes kids just need an avenue. I want to provide that avenue.”
“This is a fundamental health resource so that kids know that there are options if they need help,” CarneyRay-Yoder said.
HELPme was brought to the Board of Education by Kevin Askew, the chief revenue officer for STOPit Solutions. He used to be a member of the Township Council and Berkeley Board of Education.
“We presented this to the board, and we look forward to our solution being an integral part of the safety and wellness initiatives in the district going forward,” Askew said.
The school district received the app through a donation from STOPit. The company supports 1,700 school districts nationally – 150 of which are in New Jersey.
“HELPme is here to give students a safe space to voice concerns about themselves or someone else, or to seek help when they’re facing difficulties,” Askew said. “Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Your mental health matters, and reaching out is a brave and important step.”
The app launched at the same time as the district’s partnership with InSite Health, which will offer counseling and resources to students.
How It Works
HELPme can be downloaded to phones and Chromebooks or accessed via the web.
There are links to self-help resources both local and national. The district can also create links on it that lead to someone like a school counselor, social worker, or school security. There is also a crisis text line that students can use to get help.
Students and staff can communicate or ask for help anonymously, Askew said. Requests for help are routed to the appropriate person. School administrators will also receive a notification when a new report is received.
“Reports submitted through the HELPme system are received instantly,” Askew said. “In cases of anything life-threatening or an imminent threat, our team will immediately follow the emergency protocols that have been established in coordination with the district. We ensure that the appropriate steps are taken swiftly to contact the right people who can provide student support and manage the situation effectively.”
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