ASIST - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

The Next Step Australia - ASIST is a comprehensive two-day workshop designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to intervene effectively in situations where someone may be at risk of suicide. The training program focuses on enhancing participants' ability to recognise warning signs, engage in open and honest conversations about suicide, and connect individuals in crisis with appropriate resources and support services. ASIST utilises a practical, hands-on approach to learning, incorporating interactive discussions, role-playing exercises, and real-life scenarios to enhance participants' understanding and confidence in intervening effectively in suicide situations.

The program is widely recognised for its evidence-based approach and has been proven to significantly increase participants' knowledge, skills, and confidence in suicide intervention. By The Next Step Australia delivering this training, we are able to aid the community in preventing suicide by having multiple individuals available in various settings to offer evidence-based support for mental health and suicidal challenges when they arise.

Since The Next Step Australia has been training the community in ASIST, the general feedback from many participants suggests that the workshop can be draining, but empowering and well worth the challenge. Many participants have provided feedback letting TNSA know that they have used the training within a week of completing, simply because they knew what to both look for, and listen for, in conversations within their community.