Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

CMHA Ottawa is excited to announce the return of our ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) program. Don’t miss this in-person learning opportunity – sign up quickly as spots are limited!

When:

Session 1

• October 9 & 10, 2024 – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Session 2

• November 27 & 28, 2024 – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Session 3

• April 9 & 19, 2025 – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Who is this for?

• This program is open to all community members, professionals, volunteers, and anyone with an interest in suicide prevention.
• Suitable for adults and youth aged 16 and older.

Where:

At CMHA Ottawa; 311 McArthur Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1L 8M3

About ASIST

ASIST is an interactive, two-day workshop that equips caregivers with vital suicide life-assisting, first-aid intervention skills. The program includes small group discussions, skills practice based on adult learning principles, and powerful videos to support learning. Participants will learn the Pathways for Assisting Life (PAL) method, a practical guide to conducting suicide interventions.

Why ASIST?

• Suicide is a significant global challenge, with its impact often overshadowing armed conflicts and traffic accidents.
• Most people contemplating suicide show signs of distress. Training helps in recognizing and responding to these signals.
• Gain confidence and tools to prevent immediate suicide risks.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will learn to:

• Identify individuals with suicidal thoughts.
• Understand how beliefs and attitudes can influence suicide interventions.
• Conduct safety assessments and develop effective safety plans.

The Role of ASIST in a Suicide-Safer Community

ASIST caregivers complement the efforts of safeTALK helpers by providing critical, life-assisting, suicide first-aid intervention.

Testimonial

“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 (2019)

About LivingWorks

LivingWorks is a public service corporation whose vision is enhancing resources today and saving lives for tomorrow. LivingWorks’ mission is to create learning experiences that help communities prevent suicide. They train locally-based trainers so that the benefits of their programs live on in the community. Local resources can better transfer learning to others in the community in a cost effective manner.

LivingWorks monitors quality, updates programs and supports the international trainer resource network. The aim is to have all of the benefits of local resources plus the advantages of a central organization dedicated to quality.

Working with caregivers of all kinds, LivingWorks prepares helpers to competently intervene with a person at risk of suicide.