ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) - Errigal Hotel, Cootehill

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

*It is recommended that participants attend suicide awareness training (e.g. safeTALK) prior to doing this workshop.

Aim:
ASIST is a two-day intensive, interactive and practice-dominated course designed to help caregivers recognise risk and learn how to intervene to prevent the immediate risk of suicide.

Content:
Connecting – sensitize participants to their own attitudes towards suicide.
Understanding – focuses on providing participants with the knowledge and skills to recognise risk and develop safeplans.
Assisting – presents a model of effective suicide intervention.
Networking – generates information about resources in the local community.

For Whom:
This workshop is a gatekeeper programme suitable for mental health professionals, social workers, counsellors, ambulance staff, community volunteers, Gardai etc.

Method:
Participants develop their skills through observation, supervised simulations experiences and role play in large and small groups.

Instructions
This training is aimed at professionals and individuals who are working in an area where they are likely to come into contact with someone who is at risk of suicide.

For information on all co-ordinating sites please visit www.nosp.ie/training

The ASIST workshop can be very intense; therefore consideration is given to the relevance of the training to the individual’s current role and to their experience to date of mental health issues.
The ASIST program exists within a suite of suicide prevention training, and it is recommended that potential candidates have experience or some training in mental health issues before attending this course, for example, attend training in mental health promotion or suicide prevention awareness (safeTALK).

Note/Recommendation
The content of the ASIST programme may be difficult to deal with if you are feeling emotionally vulnerable. If you have suicidal thoughts, or have been recently bereaved, particularly through suicide, you may wish to delay taking part in this course until you're feeling stronger, emotionally.

Pieta provide information and support to those affected by suicide on their 24/7 Helpline 1800 247 247 or text “HELP” to 51444.

Support is also available from the Cavan Monaghan Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer on 085 870 6591.

ASIST training is not suitable for those aged under 18 years.

Training is free but booking is essential.