ASIST

LivingWorks ASIST v12 (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training version 12) 

LivingWorks ASIST v12 is a two-day, in-person, interactive workshop that teaches suicide first-aid and intervention skills. Participants learn how to recognize signs that someone may be thinking about suicide, engage in a supportive conversation, and collaboratively help them develop a safety plan while connecting them with additional support and resources. 

ASIST v12 is designed for anyone, aged 16 and older, who wants to help. No prior mental health training or experience is required. ASIST equips participants with the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills needed to intervene when it matters most. By becoming a Suicide First-Aid Helper, you become part of a Network of Safety dedicated to saving lives and promoting hope. 

What You’ll Learn 

• Recognize signs that someone may be at risk of suicide. 

• Build the confidence to ask directly about suicide. 

• Listen with empathy, compassion, and without judgment. 

• Explore personal attitudes and beliefs that may affect your ability to help. 

• Provide a skilled intervention that supports safety and hope. 

• Develop a collaborative Safety Plan to help someone stay safe. 

• Connect individuals to professional care, community resources, and ongoing support. 

ASIST helps participants become ready, willing, and able to provide immediate support to someone experiencing thoughts of suicide and work with them to find safety, help, and hope. 

Eligibility Requirements 

ASIST is suitable for anyone aged 16 and older, including (but not limited to) parents and caregivers, community members, helpers and advisors, educators, faith leaders, health practitioners, emergency responders, law enforcement personnel, justice professionals, and volunteers. 

Recertification Requirements 

Individuals who completed an ASIST workshop more than three years ago are required to update their certification by attending a full two-day ASIST workshop. Regular recertification helps ensure participants maintain current knowledge, intervention skills, and confidence in providing suicide first-aid.  

Certification 

Participants who attend and complete the full two-day workshop (14 hours of instruction time) will receive a LivingWorks ASIST certificate of completion. 

Interested in attending an ASIST workshop? 

CMHA Cariboo Chilcotin offers ASIST v12 workshops for the Cariboo Chilcotin region. You can register for an existing workshop or register to be placed on the waitlist for future workshops that are open to the community by completing the registration form below, or you can contact our organization to inquire about booking a workshop for your group. 

Registration Information 

To register for an upcoming workshop or to be placed on the waitlist for a future workshop, please complete the online registration form: 

ASIST Registration Form  – Fill out form 

Space may be limited and advance registration is required. 

Cost 

Registration fees include the two-day training and all participant materials. 

• Workshops open to the community: please go to our registration form for current costs. 

• Group workshops: please contact our organization for more information. 

Training Format 

• Two full days of in-person instruction (14 hours total) 

• Interactive learning environment 

• Group discussion and facilitated activities 

• Skills practice through role-play scenarios 

• Participant workbook and materials provided 

Content Advisory – Important Information 

ASIST focuses on suicide prevention and intervention. The training includes discussions, videos, and skills practice related to suicide and may be emotionally challenging for some participants. Support resources are available before, during, and after the workshop, and participants are encouraged to practice self-care throughout the workshop. 

If you have been personally impacted by suicide within the past five years (for example, through the loss of a family member, friend, colleague, or community member), we encourage you to connect with one of our trainers before registering. This helps ensure you are prepared for the workshop and that appropriate supports can be discussed in advance. 

Contact Information 

For general inquiries, please contact our organization, and our receptionist can direct your inquiry to the most appropriate contact. For training-specific questions, you may also contact one of the trainers directly by email. 

Phone: 250-398-8220 

Email: admin.ccb@cmhacariboo.org 

ASIST Trainers 

Madi Rushton – madison.rushton@cmhacariboo.org 

Rahne Brunsch – rahne.brunsch@cmhacariboo.org 

Evan Pantenetti – evan.pantenetti@cmhacariboo.org