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Help build a suicide-safer queer community!

“We know that as many as 1 in 5 LGBT people have attempted suicide,” says Dr. Travis Salway, a post-doctoral fellow with the BC Centre for Disease Control/UBC School of Population and Public Health. “Thus it is essential to build a network of trained caregivers in our community who can support each other and use a common approach to preventing suicide, as supported by best practices.” 

As part of this goal, the Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC will be hosting an ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) in Vancouver on September 25 & 26, 2017 for queer service providers and allies. 

What is ASIST?

ASIST is a powerful two-day training that has been shown to significantly reduce suicidality while helping to build suicide prevention networks in the community. Developed by Living Works Education, ASIST is:

  • The world’s leading suicide intervention training
  • A scientifically proven intervention model
  • Uses powerful audiovisual learning aids
  • Engaging and participatory, includes group discussions and skill practice and development
  • Balances of challenge and safety

ASIST participants learn to:

  • Understand the ways that personal and societal attitudes affect views on suicide and interventions
  • Provide guidance and suicide first aid to a person at risk in ways that meet their individual safety needs
  • Identify the key elements of an effective suicide safety plan and the actions required to implement it
  • Appreciate the value of improving and integrating suicide prevention resources in the community at large
  • Recognize other important aspects of suicide prevention including life-promotion and self-care

Who Should Attend?

ASIST is suitable for all caregivers including counsellors, social workers, youth workers, health care workers and community members interested in gaining skills to prevent suicide. Participants who are currently struggling with suicide and/or who have recently experienced suicide loss or behaviour may want to consider if it is the right time to participate, and are encouraged to contact the organizer to discuss suitability at this time.

When: September 25 & 26, 2017
Where: 763 East Broadway, Vancouver (Crisis Centre Business Office)
Register:  crisiscentre.bc.ca/applied-suicide-intervention-skills-training-asist/
Cost:  $265 (subsided spots available)

Please contact Lu Ripley at if you would like more information or have further questions.