A programme of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) will run in Ballina, Co Mayo on Thursday and Friday, November 9 and 10 next and bookings are now being taken for the last remaining places.
The training will take place in the Newman Institute, Cathedral Close from 9am to 5pm on both days.
The ASIST programme is a two-day intensive, interactive, and practice-dominated workshop designed to help Caregivers recognize the immediate risk of suicide and learn how to intervene to prevent the tragic consequences of suicide. This training is aimed at professionals and individuals who are working in an area where they are likely to come into contact with someone who is at risk of suicide. ASIST is designed to help all Caregivers become more ready, willing, and able to help persons at risk of suicide.
The elements of the programme are: 
Preparing: – sets the tone and expectations of the learning experience.
Connecting: – sensitises participants to their own attitudes towards suicide. Creates an understanding of the impact which attitudes have on the
intervention process.
Understanding: – overviews the intervention needs of a person at risk.
Focuses on providing participants with the knowledge and skills to
recognize risk and develop safe plans to reduce the risk of suicide.
Assisting: – Presents a model for effective suicide intervention. Participants develop their skills through observation and supervised simulation experiences in large and small groups.
Networking: – generates information about resources in the local community. Promotes a commitment by participants to transform local resources into helping networks.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: The ASIST Workshop is suitable for all Caregivers (community members and volunteers, health and social care professionals, youth workers, members of An Garda Siochana, Teachers, etc.) Note: We are all Caregivers either in a personal or professional capacity.
It is recommended that intending ASIST participants undertake the SafeTALK programme initially, especially if they are new to the area of suicide prevention and are of the opinion that they may benefit from this initial programme due to their level of mental health background and/or experience.
ASIST training is for over 18s only. The course is FREE but booking is essential.
Find out more about ASIST HERE. If you would like to book a place on the ASIST programme in Ballina on November 9 and 10 click this LINK.
