ASIST: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (two day workshop)

FAQs

• What does it cost?

  An ASIST workshop typically costs around £200 per person.

  However, this workshop is being hosted by Sanctuary Group, who are welcoming external participants to join their staff, in order to maximise positive impact on the local community, and to encourage partnership working.

  For this reason, external participants may attend on a "pay what you can" basis.

  Please consider carefully which cost option best suits your current financial situation, being aware of funds and privilege that others might not have access to.

• How is safety created?

  Suicide can be a difficult subject to talk about, and most people have been affected by suicide in some way. You are not alone if you feel apprehensive about attending the workshop.

  Your experiences and prior learning will be acknowledged and respected - but there is no pressure to share anything that you aren't comfortable sharing.

  Both facilitators are skilled at holding discomfort, recognising when more support is needed and finding the delicate balance between safety and challenge.

• What will I learn?

  You'll learn how to prevent suicide by recognising signs, providing a skilled intervention, and developing a safety plan to keep someone alive.

  The ASIST is an ideal follow-on from courses like MHFA, SFA or TAS:10, but no prior training is required.

  Over two days, you'll be offered safe and supported opportunities to:

  • safely explore your personal and professional experiences with suicide

  • examine your own beliefs and attitudes around suicide

  • consider how our experiences impact our beliefs and attitudes about using suicide first aid

  • better understand the needs of a person thinking about suicide - and how to use suicide first aid to meet those needs

  • learn and practice a model of suicide intervention called PAL: the Pathway for Assisting Life

• How could I prepare?

  If you choose to attend, we recommend that you clear your diary for the evenings before, during and after the workshop, as much as possible.

  You could also nominate in your mind someone you could talk to afterwards if you need to download. Your facilitators will suggest other places you can find support too.

• Is lunch provided?

  Lunch is not provided but there is a cafe onsite, small supermarkets a short walk away, or you may wish to bring a packed lunch.

  Hot drinks, biscuits and fruit will be provided in the breaks.