ASIST Workshop

ASIST is a workshop where you can learn first aid skills to help someone else who may be at risk of suicide.

If you are feeling suicidal - please seek help. Now is not the best time for you to attend an ASIST workshop, keep this in mind for the future.

ASIST is a 2-day intensive, interactive and practice-dominated course aimed at enabling people to spot the risk of suicide and provide immediate help to persons at risk. In the same way that skills are needed for physical first aid, ASIST develops the skills necessary for suicide first aid. It is suitable for anyone, from professionals and volunteers to members of the community. Participants range from those in caring roles to people concerned about family members or friends.

ASIST has five learning sections:

1. Preparing - sets the tone, norms, and expectations of the workshop.
2. Connecting - allows participants to explore their own attitudes towards suicide. Creates an understanding of the impact that attitudes have on the intervention process.
3. Understanding - overviews the intervention needs of a person at risk. Focuses on providing participants with the knowledge and skills needed to recognise risk and develop safe plans to reduce the risk of suicide.
4. Assisting - presents a model for effective suicide intervention. Participants develop their skills through observation and supervised simulation experiences in large and small groups.
5. Networking - generates information about resources in the local community. Encourages participants to explore local resources to create wider networks of support in the community.

Participants who have attended ASIST report that they learn new skills and have increased confidence to effectively recognise the potential signs of suicidal behaviour and intervene to keep someone safe.

Attendance at the full 2-day workshop is essential.