Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is an international educational workshop to help people respond to suicide signals.

In partnership with LivingWorks Education, Open Arms offers ASIST training to anyone concerned about family, friends, or others in the veteran community.

“It’s kind of like first aid, but for suicide intervention,” said peer worker Kristy who recently completed her train-the-trainer training along with peer worker Rob.

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“Now as provisional ASIST trainers, we can co-facilitate workshops with an experienced ASIST trainer. It gives us the opportunity to build on our skills and learn alongside someone who has been facilitating longer than us.

“ASIST workshops provide a safe, supportive environment to build knowledge and skills on how to respond to someone who might be suicidal,” she said.

Most people thinking about suicide signal their pain and look to others for help - though not always in an obvious way. This gives us opportunities to help if we know what to look for and how to respond.

“The training has helped me to feel more confident in being able to identify and support someone who might be feeling suicidal and what steps need to be taken to help keep someone safe,” Kristy said.

To register for a two-day ASIST workshop, view the available sessions on our website, or express interest in a future workshop. Attendance at both days is essential.

See also: Suicide intervention and mental health literacy workshops

If you need some extra support, we are here for you 24/7 on 1800 011 046.

For immediate help when life may be in danger, call 000.