ASIST

Join us for the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) event! This in-person training will equip you with the necessary skills to intervene and provide support to individuals that are thinking about suicide. ASIST is a comprehensive two-day program designed to help you become more confident and competent in assisting those in need.

To receive the highest quality of learning; attendees are encouraged to participate in their training, to actively listen to material being presented by trainers, and to ask questions as needed. Trainers are ready, willing, and able to provide quality training aligned with LivingWorks' workshop expectations and guidelines.

This workshop features discussions and simulations to train and prepare attendees with intervention and planning skills to provide immediate safety for a person experiencing thoughts of suicide. Two LivingWorks certified and supportive JHS trainers will guide attendees through the course material.

Although ASIST is widely used by health and social service providers, participants don’t need any formal training to attend the workshop—anyone 16 or older can learn and use the ASIST model. This workshop is not recommended for people who have had a recent suicide loss.

Throughout their two-day workshop, attendees will learn to:

• Understand the ways that personal and societal attitudes affect views on suicide and interventions.
• Provide guidance and suicide first aid to a person having thoughts of suicide in ways that meet their individual safety needs.
• Identify the key elements of an effective suicide safety plan and the actions required to implement it.
• Appreciate the value of improving and integrating suicide prevention resources in the community at large.
• Recognize other important aspects of suicide prevention including life-promotion and self-care.

Workshop Features:

• Presentations and guidance from two LivingWorks registered trainers.
• A scientifically proven intervention model.
• Powerful audiovisual learning aids.
• Group discussions.
• Skills practice and development.
• A balance of challenge and safety.

According to LivingWorks, ASIST is evidence-based with over 50 peer-reviewed studies, 35 years of evidence-based research and government reports found it:

• Improves trainee skills and readiness.
• Safe for trainees, with no adverse effects from training.
• Interventions have shown to increase hope and reduce suicidality.
• Training was shown to increase general counselling and listening skills.
• Saving lives.

Duration: Held over two consecutive days.Cost: $285 + Eventbrite processing fee, per person includes course material and certification.

Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to make a difference in someone's life. Register now and learn how to save lives!

Please note important information:

• Both days are required to receive certification. Both days start at 8:30AM and end at 4:30PM.
• A notebook and pen will be provided to attendees.
• Attendees need to bring their own water bottle, snacks, and lunch.
• There is no parking provided. Attendees are encouraged to park at the downtown library parkade for all day paid parking to avoid a parking ticket. Replenishing 2-hour MAX parking meters does not prevent a ticket.
• Refund Policy: 48 business hours notification before the start time of the workshop is required to be eligible for a refund. We are open to discussing alternatives if a refund is requested after the 48 business hours. Please reach out to 250-863-4135 [email protected] for a refund per policy.

Info: Chapter 1: PREPARING section: 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
• Includes: Registration, Why First Aid?, Why ASIST Training is Needed?, About the Participants, About the Workshop, A 10-minute refreshment break, About Connecting.

Chapter 2: CONNECTING section: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
• Includes: Connecting Feelings and Experiences with Suicide and Helping. Introductions. Connecting Attitudes with Suicide and Helping.

Lunch: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Chapter 3: UNDERSTANDING section: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
• Includes: Introduction to Understanding. Exploring Invitations. Asking about Thoughts of Suicide. Understanding Choices Phase. Possible refreshment break. Hear Their Story. Supporting Turning to Safety. Assisting Life Phase. Possible Refreshment Break. Develop SafePlan. Confirm Actions. Concluding Understanding.

Info: Chapter 4: ASSISTING section: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
• Includes: Starting the ASSISTING section. PAL in Action and AudioVisual.

Chapter 4: ASSISTING section: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
• Includes: Refreshment Break. Transition to Practice. CONNECTING Simulation. Support Turning to Safety Simulation. PAL Simulation. Safety First Simulation. Workgroup Practice Introduction. Refreshment.

Chapter 4: ASSISTING Section: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
• Includes: partnered practice of PAL with whole group observation.

LUNCH: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Chapter 4: ASSISTING Section: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
• Includes: partnered practice of PAL with whole group observation.

Chapter 5: WORKING TOGETHER section: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
• Includes: Relationships with Persons That Have Thoughts of Suicide Discussion. Community Relationships Discussion. Closing the Workshop.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher John Howard Society Okanagan & Kootenay