APPLIED SUICIDE INTERVENTION SKILLS TRAINING (ASIST)

A two-day course increasing knowledge and confidence to respond to a person at risk of suicide

Suicide affects us all.

Anyone can be at risk, men and women of all ages, occupations and across socio-economic groups. The vast majority of those thinking about suicide will signal their intent. Most suicidal people are looking for another option. They don't want to die. But preventing suicide in a first aid situation takes two people - a helper and the person at risk.

Something can be done.

Suicide can be prevented through the actions of prepared caregivers (any person in a position of trust). Caregiver competence is a critical component of large-scale suicide prevention programmes. Just as CPR skills make physical first aid possible, training that is designed to help all caregivers become more ready willing and able to help a person at risk.

The Programme

ASIST provides practical training in preventing the immediate risk of suicide. Most people considering suicide share their distress and intent. Training can help us see and respond to these invitations for help. It can give a caregiver the confidence to ask about suicide if they are concerned about someone's safety and provide the tools to prevent immediate risk. Participants often include:

• People concerned about family and/or friends
• Natural helpers and advisors
• Emergency services workers
• Counsellors, teachers an ministers
• Mental health practitioners
• Workers in health, social care, welfare or justice

The Outcome

The emphasis of the ASIST workshop is on suicide first aid, that is, helping the person at risk stay safe and seek further help. It prepares caregivers to:

• Recognise the invitations for help
• Reach out and offer support
• Review the risk of suicide
• Apply a suicide intervention model
• Link people with community resources

Evaluations have shown that the workshop increases knowledge and confidence to respond to a person at risk of suicide, the intervention skills are retained over time and that they are put to use to save lives.

Further information:
Please contact the Choose Life Coordinator: