Applied Suicide Intervention Training (ASIST)
Virtually anyone age 16 or older, regardless of prior experience or training, can become an ASIST-trained caregiver. Developed in 1983 and regularly updated to reflect improvements in knowledge and practice, ASIST is the world’s leading suicide intervention workshop. During the two-day interactive session, participants learn to intervene and help prevent the immediate risk of suicide. Over 1,000,000 people have taken the workshop, and studies have proven that the ASIST method helps reduce suicidal feelings for those at risk.
Please note that to complete the program participation is required for the full two days.
Workshop features:
- Presentations and guidance from two LivingWorks registered trainers
- An evidence based intervention model
- Powerful audiovisual learning aids
- Group discussions
- Skills practice and development
- A balance of challenge and safety
ASIST has saved and changed hundreds of thousands of lives around the world.
ASIST makes a difference
As the world’s leading suicide intervention workshop, LivingWorks’ ASIST program is supported by numerous evaluations including independent and peer-reviewed studies. Results demonstrate that ASIST helps participants become more willing, ready, and able to intervene with someone at risk of suicide. ASIST is also proven to reduce suicidality for those at risk. A 2013 study that monitored over 1,500 suicidal callers to crisis lines found that callers who spoke to ASIST-trained counsellors were 74% less likely to be suicidal after the call, compared to callers who spoke to counsellors trained in methods other than ASIST. Callers were also less overwhelmed, less depressed and more hopeful after speaking with ASIST-trained counsellors.
ASIST participants
ASIST is a resource for the whole community. It helps people apply suicide first-aid in many settings: with family, friends, co-workers, and teammates, as well as formal caregiving roles. Many organisations have incorporated ASIST into professional development for their employees. Its widespread use in various communities creates a common language to understand suicide safety issues and communicate across different organisational backgrounds.
About the ASIST Program
Small-group learning
To facilitate involvement, participants spend over half the workshop in a small group with one of the trainers.
Audiovisual aid
High-quality slides, diagrams, and videos help participants understand and learn concepts.
Training focus
Some participants may have previous personal or professional experience with suicide intervention. ASIST builds on these experiences to contribute to the overall learning goal- to provide suicide first aid.
Learning goal
Providing suicide first-aid.
Reliable, proven model
Workshop activities are structured around the ASIST intervention model and provide applicable hands-on skills practice.
Emphasis on individual needs
Participants learn to adapt to the specific circumstances of a person at risk and work collaboratively to help them stay safe.
Perspective matters
Participants are encouraged to reflect on and share their own attitudes about suicide and suicide intervention. This helps them understand how their perspectives may affect their role in providing help to a person at risk.
Direct approach
By encouraging honest, open, and direct talk about suicide, ASIST helps prepare participants to discuss the topic with a person at risk.
Facilitators
Our trainers bring to this workshop the insight and understanding gained from many years experience helping vulnerable people. Fiona is a psychologist who has worked at Reconnexion in the anxiety and depression program, as well as being a registered nurse. Jo is a psychologist and an accredited ASIST and safeTALK facilitator. She is known for the rapport she develops with her audience, her caring manner and her knowledge in the area of suicide prevention.
Cost of the group
- $300 per person
- EACH Staff $250pp
- EACH Groups of 3 or more $200pp
- Group Bookings of 3 or more $250pp
- Students $200pp
Venue: Reconnexion, 1939 Malvern Road, Malvern East
Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Dates: Please contact Reconnexion for next training dates