Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is for everyone aged sixteen or older who wants to be able to provide suicide first aid, regardless of prior experience. Shown by major studies to significantly reduce suicidality, the ASIST model teaches effective intervention skills while helping to build suicide prevention networks in the community.

 AIMS

Many professionals attend ASIST because suicide intervention skills are essential for their work. In some organisations, ASIST is a mandatory component of training. Nurses, physicians, mental health professionals, pharmacists, teachers, counsellors, youth workers, police, first responders, correctional staff, school support staff, clergy, and volunteers have all found that ASIST complements their existing training and knowledge. 

Course Brief

During the two-day interactive session, participants learn to intervene and help prevent the immediate risk of suicide. Over a million people have taken the workshop, and studies have shown that the ASIST method helps to reduce suicidal feelings for those at risk. 

Workshop features

• Presentations and guidance from two Living Works registered trainers

•  A scientifically proven intervention model

• Powerful audio-visual learning aids

• Group discussions

• Skills practice and development

• A balance of challenge and safety

WHAT IS COVERED

The ASIST workshop is divided into five sections that follow in a logical progression to gradually build comfort and understand around suicide and suicide intervention. 

•       Preparing: Sets the tone, norms, and expectations of the learning experience.
•       Connecting: Sensitises participants to their own attitudes towards suicide. Creates an understanding of the impact that attitudes can have on the intervention process.
•       Understanding: Monitors the intervention needs of a person at risk. It focuses on providing participants with the knowledge and skills to recognise 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

Please note: participants must be available for the full 2 day duration to receive their certification.

Course Materials

Participant materials include a twenty-page workbook, wallet card, and stickers which cost £30 for Bristol Mind to purchase per participant but are included within the ticket price. Participants also receive a certificate upon completing the workshop.

Course duration and size

ASIST is held over two consecutive days and up to thirty participants can attend. ASIST workshops always have a minimum of two active ASIST trainers present for the entire two days.

Venue

The training is being held at St. Werburghs Community Centre whose buildings are fully accessible and all rooms are situated on ground level. There are automatic doors and ramps making access to the buildings easier and there is a hearing loop in the training room that we are using. Light refreshments and vegetarian lunch provided.

Cancellation or unforeseen difficulties

If you are unable to attend, please can you let us know as soon as possible by emailing training@bristolmind.org.uk Cancellation less than 4 weeks before date of delivery of the first training session, will incur a cancellation charge of 50% of agreed fees and cancellation less than 2 week before date of delivery of the first training session, will incur a cancellation charge of the full agreed fees.

TIMING

Day 1 starts at 9 am and finishes at 4.30 pm, while Day 2 starts 9.30 am and finishes at 4.30 pm.

Please note: participants must be available for the full 2 day duration to receive their certification.

Venue & transport

The address is: St Werburghs Community Centre, Horley Road, St Werburghs, Bristol BS2 9TJ

There is free on street parking around the community centre.

By Foot - We are located in St Werburghs by M32. From the City Centre follow the walking route along the river Frome, which begins by Staples near Cabot Circus. At the Junction 3 on M32 take the underpass towards St Werburghs and carry on by the other side of the motorway to Mina Road. The Community Centre is signposted from there. It is a pleasant walk and takes approximately 30 minutes.

By Bus – Services run close by the Centre up Sevier Street/York Street/St James Street. The No 5 linking the City Centre from Ruppert Street (near Bus Station opposite Primark) to Emersons Green. Also, 48/49 service on Stapleton Road/ Warwick Road. Short walk across the bridge over the M32.

By Bicycle – Cycling Route number 8 passes just south of the centre on the other side of the motorway, so access to the Centre from the route is available via the footbridge or by the Junction 3 underpass. We have secure bike parking facilities on site with CCTV coverage.

By Taxi - Local taxi numbers for pick up from the site are available on the following contact numbers: 0117 923 1515 and 0117 966 6800

By Rail – the closest station is Stapleton Road Railway which provides services hourly to Gloucester and Westbury and provides a local service (the Severn Beach Line) between Bristol Temple Meads and Avonmouth.

By Car – Both from the city centre and from outside Bristol the area as a whole is easily accessed via the M32 Junction 3. In Bristol links north to Montpelier/St Andrews, Horfield and Filton are accessible via Ashley Hill or Muller Road and links south are easily accessible through St Phillip’s Causeway.

The nearest electric vehicle charging points are:

•Children's Scrapstore, 21 Sevier Street, St Werburghs, Bristol, BS2 9LB

•Ikea Bristol, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Eastgate Road, Bristol, BS5 6XX

GPS/Satellite Navigation Users - Input Postcode BS2 9TJ (Horley Road)

Please note: participants must be available for the full 2 day duration to receive their certification.