Choose Life Secures Top Scottish Training Award

Congratulations to Choose Life's network of trainers who helped secure a 'Scottish Training Award' at the National Training Award ceremony for the introduction and roll out of ASIST suicide intervention training across Scotland.

The awards, held at the Glasgow Hilton on Thursday 22^nd November, are managed in Scotland by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and aim to recognise people and organisations who have achieved excellence through training that has real benefits for business, individuals and the community.

To achieve the award, Choose Life had to demonstrate the need for the training, why it selected specific training programmes, what infrastructure it developed to deliver the training and why it believes it is making a difference.

ASIST, which stands for Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, aims to equip people with the skills and confidence to help someone who may be at risk of suicide. Like physical first aid, the intensive two-day workshop provides people with the 'first aid' skills to keep someone safe until they can get expert help.

Key connections with the mental health, homeless, social care and voluntary sector, among others, mean a dedicated network of 250 trainers is delivering workshops to a wide range of people every month.

The Minister for Public Health, Shona Robison said:

"Securing this award is great recognition for the diverse network of trainers who have supported Choose Life in rolling out suicide 'first aid' training to over 11,000 people in communities across Scotland since 2004. These include people from an increasing range of backgrounds, such as voluntary workers, front line mental health and social care staff, teachers, substance misuse workers, the clergy, the Police and coastguards, to name a few.

"The more people who feel confident and willing to explore possible signs of suicide risk and provide support and help, the more lives could be saved. We hope that the continued commitment of partners in delivering suicide prevention skills, to help those who are emotionally vulnerable or at risk will contribute towards reducing inequalities and prevent suicides in Scotland."

400 guests attended the prestigious National Training Award ceremony which was facilitated by Fred Macaulay and attended by the Minister for Schools and Skills Maureen Watt.

Linda McDowall, Acting Senior Director of Skills and Learning at Scottish Enterprise, said:

"I'd like to pass on my warmest congratulations to all the winners, who exemplify the wide range of benefits that training can offer. Identifying the need for skills development can provide an invaluable service for the community, offering people the skills necessary to help others"

Speaking on behalf of Choose Life's training network, Consulting Trainer Willie added:

"This is a big step forward in terms of encouraging people to talk about suicide. Just a few years ago suicide prevention training was hardly even on the map in Scotland but now we are the 'talk of the town'- the 'training' town that is. This accolade recognises the efforts of the dedicated network of trainers who are so passionate about ASIST and those who sponsor and support them. This has allowed so many people all over Scotland to benefit from that passion and commitment".

Suicide prevention training in Scotland has been further endorsed by the Government's commitment to supporting the delivery of suicide prevention training to 50% of all key front line staff in mental health services, primary care and accident and emergency units by 2010.

Choose Life and its network of trainers remain committed to reducing Scotland's suicide rates which until recently had been increasing significantly. The Scottish Government's suicide prevention strategy aims to reduce the rate of suicide by 20% by 2013. Since the strategy launched in 2002 it is very encouraging to note that Scotland's suicide rate has fallen by 13%.