As the year comes to a close, we at Give an Hour are reflecting on the impact of your generosity. Your support makes it possible to deliver programs, that not only provide tools for mental health resilience but also foster meaningful connections within the military community.
In December, we conducted a training session at an active-duty base as part of our ongoing Military Mile Project. While we cannot name the base for confidentiality, the outcomes speak volumes about the power of peer-to-peer support and the importance of trauma-informed care. This training session showcased the growth and potential that come from empowering service members to support one another.
Here are some key takeaways from the training—and how your contributions make all the difference.
Breaking Barriers: Comfort Level Improvements
One of the most striking outcomes of the training was the significant improvement in comfort levels when it came to discussing mental health.
- Engaging in Conversations About Mental Health: Participants reported an 11.48% increase in comfort when engaging in general conversations about mental health, and an even greater 64.86% growth in comfort when discussing these topics with peers. This highlights how peer-to-peer training fosters openness and trust, essential components for reducing stigma.
- Seeking and Offering Support: There was a 52.40% increase in comfort seeking mental health support from others and a 15.81% improvement in offering mental health support to peers. These gains demonstrate the growing willingness of participants to both seek help and be there for others.
- Active Listening and Open-Ended Questions: Participants showed a 16.53% improvement in asking open-ended questions for deeper conversations and an 18.43% growth in active listening skills. These tools are crucial for creating safe and supportive spaces for dialogue.
- Sharing Personal Experiences: The training also resulted in a 31.57% increase in confidence when sharing personal experiences—an indicator of the trust and camaraderie built during the sessions.
These improvements are more than numbers; they represent tangible progress toward breaking down barriers and creating a culture where seeking and offering mental health support is normalized.
Recognizing the Signs of Everyone Should Know
A core component of the training was teaching participants to identify Give an Hour’s Face the Five.
- Personality Changes
- Uncharacteristically angry, anxious, agitated, or moody
- Withdrawal or isolation from others
- Overcome with hopelessness or overwhelmed by circumstance
- Neglect of self-care or engagement in risky behavior
The results were astounding, with a 172.80% improvement in participants’ familiarity with the 5 Signs. Specific changes included:
- 158% increase in identifying neglect of self-care and risky behavior.
- 77% increase in recognizing feelings of hopelessness.
- 36% growth in identifying personality changes.
These results underscore the effectiveness of the training in equipping service members with the knowledge and confidence to identify when their peers may be struggling—and to intervene with empathy and care.
So why does this matter?
Mental health challenges continue to be a significant concern within the military community. According to the Department of Defense, suicide rates among active-duty service members have risen 12% to last year. Peer-to-peer training, like the sessions offered through the Military Mile Project, provides a critical pathway to resilience by empowering service members with the tools to support one another and reduce stigma.
Your generosity makes this possible. Every dollar you give helps us expand this program, train more service members, and reach more bases.
- $50 provides resource kits for training.
- $100 funds a virtual session for a service member, veteran, or family member.
- $250 supports multiple therapy sessions, equipping individuals with ongoing mental health care.
- $500 sponsors peer-to-peer training for a squad of soldiers.
- $1,000 or more enables comprehensive training programs for larger groups, ensuring a ripple effect of healing and resilience.
As we approach the new year, we are more committed than ever to building a culture of resilience within the military community. This training session is just one example of how your support is driving meaningful change. By giving to initiatives like the Military Mile Project, you’re not just funding a program—you’re saving lives and fostering hope for countless service members and their families.
This season of giving, we invite you to be part of this journey. Together, we can ensure that every service member has access to the tools, training, and support they need to thrive.
💙 Donate today and help us continue this vital work: GiveAnHour.org/Give
