Shelbyville · Shelby County, Indiana
No one shouldstand alone
Buddies Helping Buddies is a grassroots nonprofit built by people from this county, for people in this county. We stand beside our neighbors through mental health struggles, addiction and recovery, and temporary crisis.
The parent organization
Buddies Helping Buddies
For anyone in Shelby County battling mental health challenges, addiction, or a temporary crisis. No referral, no paperwork, no judgment.
Our story
Affiliated organization
Shelby County Veteran Response Team
Built on service. Driven by brotherhood. A response team for veterans in crisis or at risk, plus active duty, police, fire, and first responders. In training now, live in 2027.
Meet the team
Affiliated organization
Shelby County Suicide Prevention Coalition
Bringing hope, awareness, and connection to our community through education, support, and advocacy. Because every life matters.
See the workMental health
A place to say the hard thing out loud without it being used against you, and a person who will help you find the next step when you are ready to take it.
Addiction and recovery
Recovery is not a straight line and we do not treat it like one. We walk with people through the setbacks as readily as the wins.
Temporary crisis
Back rent to stop an eviction, a utility bill that got away from someone, the short gap that turns into a long fall if nobody closes it. Practical help at the moment it still changes the outcome.
Veterans and first responders
People who ran toward other people's worst days carry something home. Our Veteran Response Team exists so they never have to carry it by themselves.
“At Buddies Helping Buddies, we’re passionate about standing by those we love who are battling mental health challenges, like suicide prevention, addiction and recovery.”
Buddies Helping Buddies, in our own words
One more thing
Check on the
person you thought of
Somebody came to mind while you were reading this. Text them. It costs nothing, it takes nine seconds, and it is the single most effective thing on this entire website.
Decrease in the suicide ideation rate since 2022.
Decrease over the same two year period.
Figures from the Indiana Hospital Association, reported August 2024. The decline is credited to a community wide effort, including behavioral health investment by Major Health Partners, the 988 crisis line, crisis intervention and QPR training, and local suicide prevention coalition work. See the coalition
You do not have to be in crisis
Reaching out early
is not weakness
You do not need a diagnosis, an emergency, or the right words. If something feels heavier than it should, that is reason enough to talk to someone. Here is every way to reach help in Shelby County, including the numbers that answer at 3 in the morning.
1st Annual Fishing for Sammy
Casting hope. Changing lives. Honoring Sammy.
Hosted by the Shelby County Suicide Prevention Coalition. A day on the water in memory of Sammy, raising what it takes to keep this work going.