Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (A.S.I.S.T) Two-Day Workshop

Instructor:

Steve Lister

Course Description:

LivingWorks ASIST is a two-day, in-person workshop that features impactful audiovisual materials, discussions, and simulations. Trusted by professionals and endorsed by the World Health Organization, LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is the only workshop of its kind and is designed to be learnable by anyone.

Updated regularly to incorporate the latest knowledge, LivingWorks ASIST has been training individuals to provide suicide first aid interventions for over 40 years. During this workshop, you will learn how to recognize signs that someone may be contemplating suicide, how to intervene skillfully, and how to develop a safety plan that connects the person to further support. You will also explore how personal and community attitudes toward suicide can affect someone’s willingness to seek help and your ability to provide it.

This workshop is designed to enhance your willingness, confidence, and capacity to provide suicide first aid. Two experienced and supportive trainers will guide you through the course, ensuring a safe and comfortable learning environment.

LivingWorks ASIST is backed by 40 years of research and evidence. More than 50 peer-reviewed studies and government reports on LivingWorks ASIST have demonstrated that:

LivingWorks ASIST improves participants’ skills and readiness to engage in conversations with individuals who may be considering suicide. The course is safe for participants, with no adverse effects resulting from the training. The training enhances general counseling and listening skills.

Learning Objectives:

Learn how to recognize signs that someone may be contemplating suicide.
Gain the skills necessary to intervene effectively when someone is at risk of suicide.
Understand how to create a safety plan in collaboration with a person at risk and connect them to further support.
Explore how personal and community attitudes about suicide influence the willingness to seek help and the ability to intervene.
Enhance their overall counseling and listening skills in the context of suicide intervention.

Learning Outcomes:

Be able to identify when someone may be considering suicide and take immediate action to intervene.
Feel more confident and prepared to provide suicide first aid to individuals in crisis.
Understand the importance of a safety plan and how to work with individuals to develop one.
Be more aware of how their own attitudes toward suicide, as well as societal views, can impact their ability to help others.
Have increased skills in counseling and listening that can be applied to other professional and personal contexts.

Instructor: Gerstein Crisis Centre (certified ASIST Instructors) or Stephen Lister & Tammy Whelen (certified ASIST Instructors)

Mode(s): Live In-Person (no option for virtual)

Length: Two (2) Days

Cost: $285 per person

Target Group: All

Validity (Certification Timeline): Three (3) years

Disclaimer: Sensitive Content Warning

This course addresses topics related to suicide, mental health, and related distressing subjects. The content may be triggering or upsetting to some individuals. We strongly advise that participants engage with this course only if they feel comfortable and prepared to do so.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please seek immediate support from a mental health professional or contact a suicide prevention helpline. Confidential support is available, and it’s important to reach out when needed.

By continuing in this course, you acknowledge that you understand the sensitive nature of the material and agree to approach it with care and respect. Please take breaks when needed, and prioritize your mental well-being throughout this learning experience.

If you need assistance or support during the course, we encourage you to reach out to a counselor or mental health professional.

Upcoming Dates:

Date	Time	Type	Location
December 11, 2025	9:30 AM - 4:30 PM	In Person	IDEA Training Collaborative: Anderson Room
January 8, 2026	9:30 AM - 4:30 PM	In Person	IDEA Training Collaborative: Anderson Room
March 12, 2026	9:00 AM - 5:00 PM	In Person	IDEA Training Collaborative: Anderson Room