BRIDGE Family Support RVA

Peer-Led Mentorship for Students

The BRIDGE Initiative

Mission statement

The BRIDGE Initiative aims to help students navigate mental hardship through peer-led mentorship. BRIDGE's leadership plans to help start school-sanctioned support groups. We plan for these support groups to foster intimate discussion with BRIDGE members, and create a bond in a shared environment. The Team Leaders, Arjun, Tristan, and Brendan, are the children of divorcees and can relate to what anticipated BRIDGE members have gone through. The BRIDGE Initiative primarily serves students in RVA (Richmond, Virginia), but is open to help as many students improve their mental health as possible. 

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What does BRIDGE stand for?

B-Building

R-Resilience

I-In

D-Different

G-Guardian

E-Environments

While the group did start out as a "family support group", we have since opened up to any student that needs help with their mental health.

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Past Work

Since March 2026, we have hosted multiple meetings regarding topics including parents and sports. Since the tragic loss of one of our classmates due to suicide, we have opened up to not only those undergoing family issues, but also to those that want help dealing with loss, depression, and thoughts of self harm. We also recently partnered with Full Circle Grief Center to help answer questions about self-harm and suicide following the loss of our friend.

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BRIDGE's Chapter Format

1. Student-led chapters. Each school runs its own BRIDGE chapter, guided by a student leader from within that school community.

2. Counselor presence. A school counselor attends every BRIDGE meeting to ensure a safe, orderly, and supportive environment for all members.

3. Monthly virtual check-ins. Chapter leaders meet virtually with the BRIDGE core team to discuss the group's impact and plan discussion themes for the month ahead.

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How do I start a chapter?

1. Talk to your school counselor first. Discuss whether your school is ready to implement a BRIDGE chapter and get their approval before moving forward.

2. Email the BRIDGE team. Once you have counselor approval, reach out to let us know you're interested: bridgefamilysupport@gmail.com

• We'll send you a detailed handout on how to run your chapter.

3. Launch your chapter following two simple requirements:

• Name your organization [Your School Name] BRIDGE

• Attend monthly virtual meetings with our core BRIDGE team to discuss your group's impact and upcoming discussion themes, and notify us if you ever can't make it.