We’re partnering with The Royal to offer two ASIST workshops

When: January 31-February 1 and February 28-March 1, 2015
Where: The Royal (1145 Carling Ave, Room 1424)
Time: 8:30am-4:30pm
Cost: $200; $180 (students) CMHA Ottawa and The Royal will be collaborating to offer two Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) workshops. The training will be two-day weekend workshops on January 31-February 1 and February 28-March 1, 2015.

Please register here.

The Challenge

Every year more people die by suicide than from all of the armed conflicts around the world and, in many places, about the same or more than those dying in traffic accidents. For every suicide, there may be up to 100 times more who are injured by nonfatal suicidal behaviors. In any year, as many as 6% of the population have serious thoughts of suicide. How can we support people to choose life when something prevents them from seeing a way forward?

Opportunity

Most people considering suicide share their distress and their intent. Training can help us see and respond to these invitations for help. It can give you the confidence to ask about suicide if you are concerned about someone’s safely. It can provide you with the tools to help prevent the immediate risk of suicide. It can give you the confidence to ask about suicide if you are concerned about someone’s safely. It can provide you with the tools to help prevent the immediate risk of suicide.

ASIST is a two-day, interactive workshop that prepares caregivers to provide suicide life-assisting, first-aid intervention. Small group discussions and skills practice are based on adult learning principles. ASIST teaches Pathways for Assisting Life (PAL), a practical guide to doing suicide interventions. Powerful videos support learning.

Who Can Attend?

All caregivers, formally designated or not; adults and youth 16 plus.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will be better able to:

• Identify people who have thoughts of suicide.
• Understand how beliefs and attitudes can affect suicide interventions.
• Understand a person at risk’s story about suicide as well as recognize turning points that connect the person to life.
• Conduct a safety assessment and develop a plan that will keep the person at risk safe-for-now.
• Confirm the person at risk’s faith in the safe plan and their intent to follow it through.

The Role of ASIST in a Suicide-Safer Community

ASIST caregivers complete the process that safeTALK helpers start, providing life-assisting, suicide first-aid intervention.

“I use ASIST in virtually every crisis situation, in both of my roles as a volunteer and employee… Thank you for this life-changing program.” – ASIST participant