Suicide Prevention
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). This two-day interactive workshop teaches valuable skills in suicide first aid. ASIST teaches participants to recognise when an individual may have thoughts of suicide and helps 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 16 or older can learn and apply the ASIST model.
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Since its development in 1983, ASIST has received regular updates to reflect improvements in knowledge and practice, and over 1,000,000 people have completed the workshop. Studies show that the ASIST method helps reduce suicidal feelings in those at risk and is a cost-effective way to help address the problem of suicide.
Learning goals and objectives:
In the two-day workshop, ASIST participants learn to:
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Understand why and how personal and societal attitudes affect views on suicide and interventions.
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Provide guidance and suicide first aid to a person at risk that meets individual safety needs.
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Identify the key elements of an effective suicide safety plan and the actions required to implement it.
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Appreciate the value of improving and integrating suicide prevention resources in the community at large.
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Recognise other important aspects of suicide prevention including life-promotion and self-care.
Workshop features:
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Presentations and guidance from two 'LivingWorks' registered trainers.
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A scientifically proven intervention model.
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Powerful audio-visual learning aids.
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Group discussions.
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Skills practice and development.
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A balance of challenge and safety.
ASIST helps to build regional networks of trained caregivers who can support each other and use common terminology to approach suicide and safety.
safeTALK
safeTALK is a half-day alertness workshop that prepares people, over the age of 15, to become a suicide-alert helper, regardless of prior experience or training. Individuals who are experiencing thoughts of suicide don't truly want to die but are struggling with the pain in their lives. Through their words and actions, they invite help to stay alive. safeTALK-trained helpers can recognise these invitations and take action by connecting them with life-saving intervention resources, such as caregivers trained in ASIST.
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Since its development in 2006, safeTALK has been used in over 20 countries around the world. More than 200 selectable video vignettes have been produced to tailor the program's audio-visual component for diverse audiences. safeTALK trained helpers are an important part of suicide-safe communities, working alongside intervention resources to identify and avert suicide risks.
Workshop features include:
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Presentations and guidance from a 'LivingWorks' registered trainer.
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Access to support from a local community resource person.
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Powerful audio-visual learning aids.
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The simple yet effective TALK steps: Tell, Ask, Listen, and KeepSafe.
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Hands-on skills practice and development.