ASIST is considered by many to be the world's leading suicide intervention training program.
Trusted by professionals yet learnable by anyone, this two-day workshop from LivingWorks has been empowering people to provide skilled, life-saving interventions since 1983 (for 40 years!) and is updated continually to reflect new knowledge.
What you can expect
An ASIST workshop lasts two full consecutive days; attendance is required throughout.
It is a challenging and rewarding session (often also described as 'intense' and 'powerful') which discusses suicide in some depth and includes direct teaching, discussion and skills practice. Participants are encouraged to participate as fully as they feel able, to take advantage of this unique learning opportunity.
Creating a safe space
Suicide can be a difficult subject to talk about, and most if not all people attending will likely have been affected by suicide in some way. You are not alone if you are feeling apprehensive about attending.
Rest assured that your experiences and prior learning will be acknowledged and respected. Both trainers are skilled at holding any discomfort, recognising when more support is needed and finding the delicate balance between safety and challenge. You will be in very safe hands.
How you could prepare
If you choose to take part in this training, we recommend that you:
- Clear your diary for the evenings before, during and after the workshop, as much as possible, to look after yourself.
- Nominate in your mind someone you could talk to afterwards, if you need to. This might be someone at work or in your personal life. Your trainers will suggest other support too.
- If you have questions or concerns before the session, you can call Rose on 07387 203002 or email rose@starttheconversation.uk
About your facilitators
Rose Rowkins is a counsellor, sun-worshipping mum, keen yogi and singer, and has been a suicide prevention trainer since 2015. Alongside being an ASIST master trainer, she co-created the 90-minute session Talking about Suicide: 10 Tools (TAS10) now delivered to medical students across the UK as part of their curriculum. She was Brighton project lead for the Baton of Hope tour 2023.
Nick Brown is committed to helping communities and individuals become safer from suicide. He is a very experienced Trainer, Facilitator & Coach with over 100 ASIST workshops delivered. He loves walking by the sea, cycling, live theatre, music gigs, weekend breaks and quality family times.
