Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Learn the skills to intervene and save a life from suicide.

ASIST is a two day interactive workshop in suicide first aid. ASIST is the most widely used and researched suicide intervention skills training in the world. It teaches participants to recognise when someone may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety.

Although ASIST is widely used by healthcare providers, participants don't need any formal training to attend the workshop - anyone can learn and use the ASIST model.

What is ASIST?

ASIST is a two day, interactive training workshop that prepares participants to provide suicide first aid interventions.

Many people considering suicide indicate their distress and their intent, sometimes very discreetly. The ASIST training model will help you recognise and respond to these invitations for help, give you the confidence to ask about suicide if you are concerned about someone's safety and provide you with the tools to help prevent the immediate risk.

"Very enjoyable two days. Trainers were very knowledgeable about the subject and extremely approachable. 10/10."

Who can attend ASIST?

Many professionals attend ASIST because having skills to intervene in suicide are essential for their work. Nurses, teachers, counsellors, police, first responders, youth workers - everyone 16 or older can learn and use the ASIST model. No previous mental health or suicide prevention experience is necessary. Our trainers are experienced from a wide variety of backgrounds.

After attending the full ASIST workshop, you will be better able to:

Be alert to suicide and to be able to 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 and be able to act upon them
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 taught through ASIST
Link people with community resources that will be able to further help

"Very informative training. Well delivered, very professional. Definitely something that will be useful in work and day to day life"

What are the workshop features?

Presentations and guidance from two LivingWorks registered trainers
ASIST is held over two consecutive days for a total of 15 hours creating a powerful, focused learning experience
A scientifically proven intervention model
Powerful audio-visual learning aids
Group discussions that support and reinforce learning. Participants only share what they wish to with the whole group sessions
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.

"This training is life changing and lifesaving. The workshop has made me reflect on my approach in my professional and personal life. Thank you.”

Venue & Dates

Open courses take place in our training suite in St Mellons, Cardiff which has been fully adapted to meet current COVID requirements. Fully serviced and with modern facilities, it is a great venue and includes ample free parking. Please note that we have successfully delivered in-organisation ASIST courses across South Wales but at the current time, we would be pleased to welcome in-house courses at our adapted training suite in Cardiff.

Next Open Course dates:

Tuesday 7 & Wednesday 8 December 2021 - Cardiff

Tuesday 1 & Wednesday 2 February 2022 - Cardiff

Tuesday 15 & Wednesday 16 March 2022 - Cardiff

** Please email training@ascymru.org.uk to request a booking form. This will need to be returned as soon as possible to secure your place(s). Please note that we are currently operating courses at reduced numbers due to COVID requirements, but are using waitlists which have been utilised on recent courses.

Venue: ASC Offices in St Mellons, Cardiff, CF3 0LT.

Cost: £145 per person (includes lunch, refreshments and all course materials)

For further details on how to book or to simply find out more, email training@ascymru.org.uk or call us on 029 2054 0444

In-house organisation training is available on request (minimum of 8 delegates)