Two-day training

What is ASIST?

An accredited two-day, interactive training that prepares caregivers to provide suicide first aid interventions.

Who can attend ASIST?

Anyone 16 or older (despite previous training) can learn and use the ASIST model. No previous mental health or suicide prevention experience is necessary.

What will you learn as an ASIST trained first aid caregiver?

After taking ASIST, you will be better able to:

• Be suicide alert – identify people who have thoughts of suicide
• Understand the reasons behind thoughts of suicide and the reasons for living
• Assess risk and safety – develop a plan to increase the safety of the person at risk of suicide
• Recognise invitations for help
• Recognise potential barriers of seeking help
• Offer support – recognise other important aspects of suicide prevention including life-promotion and self-care
• Effectively apply a suicide intervention model
• Link people with community resources

What are the workshop features?

• Presentations and guidance from two Living Works registered trainers
• A scientifically proven intervention model
• Powerful audio-visual learning aids
• Group discussions
• Skills practice and development
• A balance of challenge and safety
• Participant materials include a 20-page workbook, wallet card, and stickers. Participants also receive a certificate upon completing the workshop.
• What is the structure of an ASIST workshop?

The ASIST workshop is divided into five sections that follow in a logical progression to gradually build comfort, confidence and understanding around suicide and suicide intervention.

Preparing: Sets the tone, norms, and expectations of the learning experience over the two days.

Connecting: Enables participants to reflect on their own attitudes towards suicide. This creates an understanding of the impact that attitudes can have on the intervention process.

Understanding: An overview of the intervention needs of a person at risk. The trainers focus on providing participants with the knowledge and skills to:

• Recognise risk
• Develop safeplans to reduce the risk of suicide
• Increase the safety of the person

Assisting: Presents a model for effective suicide intervention. Participants develop their skills through observation and supervised simulation exercises in large and small groups.

Networking: The trainers share information about resources in the local community and promote participant commitment to encouraging the transformation of local resources into helping networks.

To check the price and register, please complete the Expression of Interest form.