WeNeverWalkAlone Trainings

Nationwide Peer Support & Mental Health Professional Network

In daily life as a police officer, the job is to respond to a call, fix the problem, and move on to the next call. In this training, officers learn to listen and respond without judgement or agenda. They are taught that time is relative and when speaking to an officer in need, there are no clocks. They build their skillsets and graduate the class having been through relevant, practical training that can be used in their everyday lives, both on the job and off.

We offer a 3 day comprehensive Peer Support Training for all first responders but focused on Law Enforcement and Telecommunicator Community.

We also offer a 2 day Peer Support Training specifically for Firefighters and Paramedics and Embedded Counselors.

We also offer a 100% virtual on-demand training for those that can’t attend an in-person training session for whatever reason. But this virtual training has an online examination to get certified as a trained peer supporter.

All classes are ILETSB approved and certified.

No. However, a new member department will have 12 months to get its share of peer supporters trained and active on the WeNeverWalkAlone list of peer supporters. Since WeNeverWalkAlone is a network, we need members to contribute 7-10% (typically) of the strength of their departments as trained peer supporters. So, a department of 50 sworn officers would need to have 4-5 officers trained to be part of the network’s pool of peer supporters. As the size of the department increases, the required percentage slides down proportionately. For example, Chicago PD, that has 13,000+ sworn officers, would only need to have 2-3% of its strength trained to contribute to the pool.

There are several firms that train officers to be peer supporters. Any program may be used as long as the program is consistent with the guidelines for peer support as proffered by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, reviews of other law enforcement programs, and peer support as a discipline.

You must attend all days of class. Each day builds on the information learned on the previous day. And because limited class size, officers develop relationships and bonds with their fellow peer support trainees. This training will challenge you and by the end of it, you will feel well-prepared for what may come your way. In addition to that, becoming a peer support officer is a commitment that you make to yourself and your department. The hours you spend in class will keep you engaged and learning.

Country Inn and Suites at 1401 N Roselle Road, Schaumburg, IL 60195. Don’t forget to ask for state discount. The going rate in Spring of 2023 was about $75 per night for a room with two queen sized beds.

Cornerstone Retreat Center

First Responder Peer Initiative

Upcoming Peer Support Training Session

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Testimonials

Tremendous instructors! Yes

You kept everyone engaged with real experiences used as examples. With all your experience in law enforcement, you shared how you wish Peer Support existed long ago. It helps the younger generation, and even those soon to retire, end the stigma to admitting that law enforcement personnel sometimes need help. And there’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Class was very easy to follow along with and stay engaged throughout due to using the workbook as a guide through the videos and presentation.

A LOT of stuff was done right. George and John-Erik helped break the ice and getting rid of that stigma on day one. They kept the class engaged and made sure if anyone wanted to get something off their chest that it was a judge-free zone. I went into the class with high expectations and I got what I wanted and more. I can’t thank them enough for the great session and giving me the tools I need to bring back to my agency. Again, wonderful work and thanks again for an amazing class.

Having experienced instructors that know the police culture/mentality is amazing. They get the class involved and share their personal experiences. They genuinely care about the peer support team and are willing to help when called upon. Great class!

Class was very easy to follow along with and stay engaged throughout due to using the workbook as a guide through the videos and presentation.

The course instructors were amazing! Extremely relatable! They were retired LEO’s and showed a real passion for the curriculum. And I really appreciated that they made the environment feel like a safe space to share personal experiences and they were great at making everyone feel validated, as well as sharing personal examples of how to help others feel validated.