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View as Webpage | | Issue 1: November 3, 2025 | | Hello,
Welcome to the first newsletter from the City of Peabody Task Force for Mental Health, Bullying Prevention and Suicide Prevention - now formally known as Peabody PROMISE.
Whether you're on an action team, utilizing the new resources, sharing our work with members of our community or just following along, this newsletter will keep you informed about our latest progress and upcoming activities. | |
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What Is Peabody PROMISE?
Peabody PROMISE is a coalition of parents, educators, health professionals, city leaders and other community members working on projects related to mental wellness, bullying prevention, suicide prevention and positive youth development.
Read about the new Peabody PROMISE website below.
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Jason Bernard
"Forever 14"
In May 2025, our community suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of Higgins Middle School student, Jason Bernard. Jason, who at only 14 years old, took his own life due to bullying.
Peabody PROMISE is committed to creating safer spaces for our youth by:
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Reviewing bullying and behavior policies and procedures as outlined by DESE.
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Expanding mental health support for students.
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Continuing mental health awareness education and training for staff.
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Ensuring families have easy access to bullying report forms and other resources.
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Promoting positivity in our schools.
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Higgins Middle School
Student Resource & Support Center
NEW! Located next to the nurse's office, the Student Resource and Support Center (SRSC) offers counseling, referrals to external services, and assistance filling out bullying report forms. Click here for more information.
On-site clinicians are available to support students dealing with a wide range of concerns, including those who have been affected by bullying, anxiety, stress or other personal challenges.
Walk-in hours are available. Students can also access the center via their guidance counselor, associate principal, or any trusted adult. They can also go to the nurse's office, main office or click here to make an appointment.
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NEW! Peabody PROMISE Website
In response to requests for a comprehensive website with easy-to-access information for mental health, bullying & suicide prevention, Peabody PROMISE is now available.
The website, supported by the Mayor's office and Peabody Public Schools, aims to be a vital resource for our community.
You can copy & paste this URL in your web browser:
https://peabody.k12.ma.us/peabody-promise/
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NEW! BLOOM
App & Teen Hub
This free app is now available to all Peabody residents to access information for a variety of topics ranging from raising a teenager to caring for an elderly loved-one. Scan the QR code on the attached flyer to get your code to sign up!
BLOOM TEEN HUB is an informative website for teens and offers answers to questions about developing minds, bodies and relationships in a empowering way. Click here to check it out.
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November Events - Visit the Peabody PROMISE website for all event information.
Nov. 20 - More Than Sad: Suicide Prevention for Parents - 6:00-8:00pm, Higgins Middle School (Auditorium). This event is for adults only, and there is no registration required.
Nov. 22 - Bench Dedication Ceremony in remembrance of Jason Bernard. 10:00 am, Captain Samuel Brown Elementary School.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainings - dates throughout November and December.
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Trainings & Workshops
The NAN Project, in partnership with the Peabody Health Department, will be offering ongoing FREE WORKSHOPS for members of the community. The NAN Project strives to reduce mental health stigma and prevent youth suicide by providing proactive education. Workshops will be posted on the Peabody PROMISE website and city Facebook pages. Click here to learn more about The NAN Project.
Healthy Peabody Collaborative sponsored Mental Health First Aid Training for all Peabody Institute Library Staff in September. The training provided basic tools for recognizing and responding to the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges. To learn more about Healthy Peabody Collaborative and the incredible work they do for our community, click here to follow them on Facebook.
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Spreading the Word...
Peabody PROMISE has been out in the community promoting our new initiatives!
You may have seen us at Higgins Back to School nights, Brooksby Farm Fall Fest and Nightmare on Main Street.
Want to help? Contact socialservices@peabodypolice.org
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