ASIST Trainer

Introduction

The ASIST Training for Trainers (T4T) is a five day practice-orientated residential course. A challenging and intensive course, the T4T teaches candidates the content of ASIST and the skills needed to deliver workshops.

Entry Requirements/Selection Criteria

The T4T course is suitable for:

• Those who have experience of supporting people at risk of suicide.
• Those who have registered their interest with the local Choose Life Coordinator.
• Sponsored by the local Choose Life Coordinator or their line manager (The application and sponsor form is approved by the Choose Life Coordinator).
• Completed the ASIST course.
• Familiar with Choose Life and local Choose Life activities.
• Those who have the following combination of skills and characteristics:
  • Available with dedicated time to deliver training.
  • Flexible attitude about suicide.
  • Good interpersonal communication and helping skills.
  • Suicide intervention skills.
  • Knowledge about suicide.
  • Established or experience of teaching and group leadership skills.

Process to Become an ASIST Trainer

1. Prepare:
   1. Are you comfortable talking about suicide?
   2. Attend an ASIST course.
   3. Source opportunities to deliver training.
2. Apply:
   1. Read essential information for candidate ASIST trainers.
   2. Agree to minimum delivery commitments and expectations from NHS Health Scotland.
   3. Agree with employer (for time to prepare, deliver, and administration).
   4. Complete application.
   5. Employer to complete sponsor form.
3. Participate in Trainer Development Activities:
   1. Develop understanding of adult learning principles.
   2. Deliver PowerPoint presentations.
   3. Experience facilitating group work.
4. Attend T4T:
   1. Self-register on VLE.
   2. Learn to become an ASIST trainer.
5. Deliver:
   1. Once approved, work towards achieving Registered status.
   2. Complete three sessions within one year.
6. Monitor:
   1. Complete trainer reports and return participant monitoring and feedback forms to NHS Health Scotland.

After T4T

Having successfully completed T4T, the individual will become a Provisional ASIST Trainer.

Once the individual has delivered three workshops within the first year they will become fully registered.

In Scotland, trainers are expected to deliver three workshops per year on an ongoing basis to keep their skills up-to-date. All ASIST workshops must be facilitated by at least two trainers so individuals should either attend the course with a training partner or link with their local Choose Life group beforehand.

New trainers are supplied with the necessary trainer materials to enable them to deliver both ASIST and suicideTALK. Individuals may be invited to a suicideTALK demonstration about three months after the ASIST T4T.

After the ASIST T4T, support is provided by the mentors and the Choose Life national training support team, individuals will also receive feedback from the ASIST Reader for every ASIST workshop delivered, for their ongoing development.