safeTalk & ASIST Training

safeTALK

safeTALK is a half-day alertness training that prepares participants to become a suicide-alert helper. Most people with thoughts of suicide don't truly want to die, but are struggling with the pain in their lives. This training will help you recognize invitations for help, engage individuals appropriately, and take action by connecting them with life-saving intervention resources.

Participants of safeTALK will learn to:

  • Notice and respond to situations where suicide thoughts might be present
  • Recognize that invitations for help are often overlooked
  • Move beyond the common tendency to miss, dismiss, or avoid suicide
  • Apply the TALK Steps: Tell, Ask, Listen, and Keep Safe
  • Know community resources and how to connect someone with thoughts of suicide to them for further help.

Who can participate?

safeTALK training at Western is available to all staff, faculty and students, and requires no formal training or prior experience in suicide prevention.

Please email safetalktrainers@uwo.ca for registration information.


ASIST

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two-day interactive workshop in suicide first aid. 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.

Participants of ASIST will learn to:

  • Understand how personal and societal attitudes affect views on suicide and interventions
  • Provide individualized guidance and suicide first aid to a person with thoughts
  • Identify 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 the importance of life-promotion and self-care

Who can participate?

ASIST training at Western is available to all staff, faculty and students, and requires no formal training or prior experience in suicide prevention. Many participants choose to complete ASIST after previously completing safeTALK suicide alertness training as the programs are complementary.

Please email asisttrainers@uwo.ca for registration information.

Upcoming ASIST Sessions

Register for the October 15-16 ASIST Training

Register for the November 25-26 ASIST Training