Programs

Important Consumer Information for ASIST Participants

Since 1983, over one million people have been trained in ASIST. LivingWorks believes in the value of a standardized training process whereby participants in all parts of the world experience ASIST in a way that honors its history of research and development.

ASIST trainers

• All ASIST trainers complete a standardized training course.
• LivingWorks provides ongoing support to all active trainers.
• ASIST trainers maintain their active status by presenting a minimum number of workshops per year and reporting on their workshops.
• There is currently a network of over 5,000 active ASIST trainers.

Workshop standards

ASIST is based on principles of adult learning. It values the experiences and contributions that participants bring and encourages people to share actively in the learning process.

• The workshop takes place over two consecutive days for a total of 15 hours.

• ASIST is delivered in either English, French, Spanish, Norwegian or Inuktitut.

• ASIST workshops always have a minimum of two active ASIST trainers that are present for the entire two days. Participant to trainer ratios:

  • If there are up to 30 participants in a workshop, there are at least two trainers.
  • If there are 31–45 participants there are at least three trainers. Workshops of over 45 participants are not recommended.
  • There are no more than two trainers in a workgroup however a third trainer may be in attendance as an observer. 

• Participation is encouraged and all participant contributions are taken seriously.

• To protect the balance between safety and challenge, ASIST is delivered in a way that provides both whole group and work group opportunities. Participants need not disclose personal experiences in the whole group.

• Local resources are provided and their availability in the community is discussed.

• The Cause of Death? video is shown to provide a common starting point for the discussion of attitudes.

• Two versions of the It Begins with You video are shown to illustrate the structure and process of a suicide intervention.

• Participant materials include a workbook, certificate, wallet card, stickers and the Suicide Intervention Handbook.

Workshop fees

Please note that fees vary by location and trainers. The small financial return to LivingWorks offsets initial and ongoing development costs, participant materials and the costs of supporting trainers and maintaining quality. All of those costs were paid and financed by LivingWorks. There are no subsidies, government grants or tax benefits.

Questions or concerns?

Please talk with your ASIST trainer or contact asist@livingworks.net.