Sponsor a Training for Trainers (T4T)

Do you want to help helpers in your community to feel ready, willing and able to prevent the immediate risk of suicide? Nothing could be more helpful than sponsoring and organizing a Training for Trainers (T4T). It is the community-sustainable way to ensure that the maximum number of helpers are trained at the lowest long-term cost.

The T4T course provides persons with existing trainer experience with the knowledge to conduct an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) workshop. The two-day ASIST workshop is by far the most widely used, acclaimed and researched suicide intervention skills training in the world. It has been refined since 1983 with feedback from over 750,000 participants and 3,500 active trainers. The five-day T4T starts the process of becoming a Registered Trainer.

The course and the ongoing support of LivingWorks provide a cost-effective way to develop suicide intervention competence in your community. The community receives the benefits of local trainers, as well as the advantages of a large organization dedicated to the quality of the program.

The costs*

The standard price is $2,800 CAD or $2,500 USD per candidate. When the sponsor provides facilities, equipment, refreshments and lunches, which is usually the case, $500 CAD or $410 USD of the standard price goes to the sponsor. There are other additional support options that are often purchased at the time of the course. See: T4T Prices and Options.

The ASIST participant kit is priced at $35.00 CAD or $33.55 USD per participant. This funds printing and production costs and ongoing trainer support. To realize all the benefits of the LivingWorks Program, yours and other organizations must be willing to invest time and support in the T4T and in the preparation and delivery of ASIST.

What's involved?

ASIST requires team teaching. Either a minimum of two trainers from the same community or organization should be registered or you should confirm that there are other trainers in your area or organization who are willing to work with a new trainer. Check with LivingWorks.

All expectations of a course candidate and of a Registered Trainer are clearly outlined in detail in Essential Information for ASIST Trainer Candidates. Both candidates and representatives of their organization must sign off on the expectations before attending the course. We are interested in commitment; we want your initial investment to more than pay for itself. The contract between LivingWorks and the sponsor requires the return of signed commitment forms of all candidates.

The best number of candidates at a T4T course is 24 or multiples of 24. Other numbers can be accommodated but may increase per candidate costs. Because many things about the course are tightly structured, ensuring that the appropriate number of candidates are committed to attending is critical. Many things change with the addition or deletion of only one candidate. In consultation with LivingWorks, set the date for the course well in advance and decide upon the range of candidates. Give everyone time to submit the signed registration forms and their deposit. Allow time to determine how many candidates will be attending early enough to make adjustments.

Sponsors coordinate with LivingWorks on marketing and registration processes. Sponsors are usually responsible for arranging facilities, etc. as well as recommending or arranging for accommodations, when appropriate.

There are very specific room and equipment needs for a T4T. The contract between LivingWorks and the sponsor requires the sponsor to follow these specifications exactly. 24 candidates are recommended. Download setup checklists in Word format illustrating room setup and equipment needs: 24 candidates, 15 candidates, 20 candidates and 30 candidates.

A fully residential course is much preferred. Candidates are likely unfamiliar with the kind of energy commitment required at this course. Having everyone present means that work can be accomplished with fewer distractions.

*Prices are subject to change; actual costs will be quoted. Fluctuating travel and exchange rates can increase or decrease costs significantly.