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 will learn to:

  1. Notice and respond to situations where suicide thoughts might be present
  2. Recognize that invitations for help are often overlooked
  3. Move beyond the common tendency to miss, dismiss, or avoid suicide
  4. Apply the TALK Steps: Tell, Ask, Listen, and Keep Safe
  5. 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.

How much does it cost?
Faculty and staff member pricing: $35 per person

How can I register?
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 will learn to:

  1. Understand how personal and societal attitudes affect views on suicide and interventions
  2. Provide individualized guidance and suicide first aid to a person with thoughts
  3. Identify key elements of an effective suicide safety plan and the actions required to implement it
  4. Appreciate the value of improving and integrating suicide prevention resources in the community at large
  5. 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.

Next ASIST Training: February 19-20, 2025

Want to learn more? Email us: asisttrainers@uwo.ca