ASIST
(Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
“This is the best training I have been on. it provided a framework which I hoped for, that made sense. There was no ‘cheese’ everything was considerate, eye opening and respectful. My confidence has grown and I feel very positive about my experience.” ASIST Training participant
Don’t just learn suicide intervention. Practise it.
When a conversation could make a difference, knowing what to say matters.
LivingWorks ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) is a two-day, face-to-face workshop that helps you develop the confidence and practical skills to respond when someone may be at risk of suicide.
This isn’t simply a course where you sit and listen.
You’ll learn, discuss, practise and reflect — developing skills you can use when a real conversation about suicide happens.
What would you do if someone told you they were thinking about suicide?
It might be a colleague.
A student.
A client.
A friend.
A family member.
Or someone you simply happen to be talking to.
You might know that you want to help — but not know what to say next.
ASIST gives you the opportunity to develop a structured approach to suicide intervention and, importantly, practise using it in a supportive learning environment.
Because knowing about suicide prevention is not the same as knowing how to respond when someone is sitting in front of you.
Two days of practical learning
ASIST is an intensive, interactive workshop developed by LivingWorks, a world leader in suicide prevention training.
Across the two days, you’ll have opportunities to explore your own attitudes and assumptions about suicide, understand the experience of a person at risk and develop practical intervention skills.
You’ll learn to:
Recognise
Understand suicide and the factors that can influence how we recognise and respond to suicide risk.
Connect
Develop confidence in having open, direct and compassionate conversations about suicide.
Understand
Explore what may be happening for a person experiencing thoughts of suicide and identify their individual needs.
Intervene
Learn and practise a structured approach to suicide intervention.
Plan for safety
Explore the key elements of an effective safety plan and the actions needed to support immediate safety.
Connect with support
Understand the importance of ongoing support, resources and follow-up.
Why is ASIST two days?
Because suicide intervention is a skill — and skills need to be practised.
A short awareness course can introduce you to the subject of suicide prevention.
ASIST gives you time to go further.
Over two days, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the intervention framework, discuss different perspectives, practise skills and reflect on how you might use them in your own setting.
You don’t just leave knowing more about suicide. You leave having had the opportunity to practise how you might respond.
Who is ASIST for?
You don’t need to be a mental health professional to attend.
ASIST is suitable for anyone who may find themselves in a position where they could support someone experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Participants have included people working in:
- Schools and education
- Counselling and therapy
- Health and social care
- Residential care
- Youth services
- Community organisations
- Charities and voluntary organisations
- Workplace wellbeing
- And many other settings
Whether you’re supporting people professionally, volunteering in your community or simply want to develop these skills, ASIST can help you become more prepared to respond.
What makes ASIST different?
It’s active.
You’ll participate rather than simply listen.
It’s practical.
You’ll have opportunities to apply what you’re learning.
It’s personal.
You’ll explore your own attitudes, beliefs and responses to suicide.
It’s structured.
You’ll learn a recognised framework for suicide intervention.
It’s supportive.
You’ll learn alongside others in a facilitated, face-to-face environment.
Most importantly, ASIST gives you the opportunity to practise before you need to use these skills in a real-life situation.
A LivingWorks programme
ASIST was developed by LivingWorks, an international leader in suicide prevention and intervention training.
It is LivingWorks’ comprehensive two-day programme for developing suicide intervention skills and has been delivered internationally.
LivingWorks describes ASIST as its gold-standard suicide intervention programme.
But the value of ASIST isn’t simply the certificate.
It’s the opportunity to develop and practise skills that could help you respond when someone needs you.
What will I receive?
Participants who attend the full workshop and actively participate receive a CPD certificate of attendance.
The full ASIST workshop is 15 hours over two days.
Please check the individual workshop details for the specific location, timings, trainer information and booking arrangements.
Why attend with us?
A recognised programme is important.
But so is the experience of learning it.
Our aim is to create a learning environment where participants feel able to ask difficult questions, challenge assumptions, take part in discussion and practise skills without judgement.
You’ll be encouraged to participate, supported throughout the workshop and given space to reflect on what you’re learning.
Hear what previous participants say →
Have a question? Read our FAQ’s or contact us today
Be prepared for the conversation you hope never happens.
You may never know when someone will tell you they’re thinking about suicide.
But you can choose to be better prepared if they do.
Don’t just learn suicide intervention. Practise it.
LivingWorks ASIST — two days that could change how you respond when it matters.
Further information, pricing & availability
Have a question? Contact us to discuss how our training can best help you and to find out more about this and other courses.
ASIST Testimonials & feedback
Best thing I have ever done. Most valuable course and skills that I will take away with me for life. thank you so much.
ASIST Participant
Thank you so much, it’s made such a huge difference to how I believe I can deal with suicide. It’s a game changer.
ASIST Participant
ASIST has been incredibly helpful in providing a model and practical clear instruction on how to deal with a situation in which the persons contemplating suicide. It will inform my work and personal interactions around suicide going forwards completely
ASIST Participant
Help and Support with Thoughts of Suicide
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, there are a number of helplines you can contact such as:
HOPELineUK : 0800 068 4141
Shout Crisis Text service : Text 85258
Samaritans 116123
Visit our Help and Advice page for more information and support.
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Responding to Suicide Risk in the Workplace
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Find out how to better support and your colleagues: What to look out for, how to intervene, keeping safe whilst providing support, what to do if a colleague takes their own life and more…
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