CMHA to hold applied suicide intervention skills training

The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington is offering applied suicide intervention skills training (ASIST) here in January to create a suicide-safer community in Centre Wellington.

ASIST is a two-day workshop that provides participants with the skills necessary to connect with, understand and assist persons who may be at risk for suicide.

The course will run on  Jan. 9 and 10 from 9am to 5pm at a cost of $200 per person. The location will be provided upon registration.

With more people trained in ASIST, it may give those at risk of suicide greater access to help to keep themselves safe and connected to other community supports, officials say.

No prior experience or formal training is necessary to take ASIST, which aims to help participants:

- understand the ways attitudes affect views on suicide and interventions;

- provide suicide first-aid to a person at risk to meet individual safety needs;

- identify elements of an effective suicide safety plan and how to implement it;

- appreciate the value of improving and integrating suicide prevention resources in the community; and

- recognize other important aspects of suicide prevention, including life promotion and self care.

To register for ASIST visit  www.cmhaww.ca/events. Questions can be directed to workshops@cmhaww.ca.