Another round of ASIST training will be taking place in Perth this 20-21 March. Learn more below and apply by 13 March to take part in this essential programme.
Joining these sessions is recommended because the next block of training won’t take place until next summer.
Time: Wednesday 20 March and Thursday 21 March 2024 (9am – 5pm)
Location: Dewars Centre, Glover Street, Perth PH2 0TH
Background
‘Suicide prevention is everyone’s business.’ This is a clear message from Scottish Government and COSLA which is incorporated in Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Strategy – ‘Creating Hope Together’(September 2022).
This ASIST course is free to participants to help build suicide safer communities by upskilling practitioners connected to Perth and Kinross with the skills to keep people with thoughts of suicide safe.
The workshop is delivered over two days, and we are delighted that we have secured the skills of two ASIST Master Trainers who have a long track-record of delivering excellent workshops.
Who should attend?
We mean it when we say that ASIST is for everyone. Anyone 16 years or older can learn and use the ASIST model. Professionals as well as members of the community have all found great value in ASIST over the years.
For this course we are asking for applications from anyone employed in a statutory or third sector organisation and working in Perth and Kinross and from volunteers linked to the relevant agencies.
If you do not meet the criteria for these courses but would like to discuss your suicide prevention training needs, please use the contact details for the Suicide Prevention Coordinator below.
Applications
Please send completed applications by Wednesday 13 March 2024 to Susan Duncan, Suicide Prevention Coordinator SuicidePrevention@pkc.gov.uk
Places will be allocated and confirmed as quickly as possible but please keep the dates of the course you have applied for free.
This course is expensive to run so you must have the approval of a line manager to apply and once you have been allocated a place you are expected to attend. If your circumstances change, please cancel your place as soon as possible.
Once you have been allocated a place via this process you will be sent a link for the course and be required to register with the national programme at Public Health Scotland before the dates of the course you are attending.
What will you learn as an ASIST trained first aid caregiver?
After taking ASIST, you will be better able to:
- Be suicide alert – identify people who have thoughts of suicide.
- Understand the reasons behind thoughts of suicide and the reasons for living.
- Assess risk and safety – develop a plan to increase the safety of the person at risk of suicide.
- Recognise invitations for help.
- Recognise potential barriers of seeking help.
- Offer support – recognise other important aspects of suicide prevention including life-promotion and self-care.
- Effectively apply a suicide intervention model.
- Link people with community resources.
Key features of all ASIST workshops
Each ASIST workshop shares many core features that make up the LivingWorks international standard. Here is a brief outline of what you can expect at your ASIST training:
- Held over two consecutive days for a total of 15 hours.
- Presentations and guidance from two LivingWorks registered trainers.
- Powerful audio-visual learning aids including two award-winning videos during the workshop.
- Large and smaller group discussions.
- Skills practice and development.
- A balance of challenge and safety.
- Local resources are provided and their availability in the community is discussed.
- Participant materials include a 20-page workbook, wallet card, and stickers. Participants also receive a certificate upon completing the workshop.
Other details
You must attend both full days to receive accreditation.
The days run 9am-5pm and these times are non-negotiable.
Parking is available at the venue. (£2 per day)
You must supply your own refreshments.
For further information, or if you have any questions, please email Susan Duncan, Suicide Prevention Coordinator at SuicidePrevention@pkc.gov.uk
IMPORTANT: If you have been affected by suicide recently, you might wish to attend a future course. Equally, you may find the course an important part of your recovery. Participants need not disclose personal experiences to the whole group. Your trainers will ensure your safety throughout the training.