Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a standardized two-day interactive workshop in suicide first aid, developed and regularly updated by LivingWorks. ASIST is offered on-campus free of charge to UPEI students, staff, and faculty, and is delivered by two LivingWorks registered trainers. Workshop capacity is limited, and registration is generally granted on a first-come-first-serve basis.

ASIST teaches participants to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety. Over the course of their two-day workshop, ASIST participants learn to:

• understand the ways that personal and societal attitudes affect views on suicide and interventions
• provide guidance and suicide first aid to a person at risk in ways that meet their individual safety needs
• identify the key elements of an effective suicide safety plan and the actions required to implement it
• appreciate the value of improving and integrating suicide prevention resources in the community at large
• recognize other important aspects of suicide prevention including life-promotion and self-care

Visit the LivingWorks website for more information.

To learn more and sign up for the next ASIST Workshop at UPEI, please email kjlawlor@upei.ca.

"Training was well structured, interactive and I felt comfortable taking part and asking questions. I feel like I have learned some truly valuable life skills that I know I can use to change a life."

"This workshop was excellent! I feel so much more prepared and comfortable to talk about suicide with someone at risk. Our trainers were amazing – patient and understanding, and gave very helpful feedback."

"Well taught and very useful information which can be used in both personal and work life situations."