ASIST in Kelowna.
Be ready to Assist when most Crucial.
ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) is an interactive workshop that teaches participants how to recognize when someone may be thinking about suicide, how to provide immediate support, and how to connect them with further help. The course is facilitated by LivingWorks-registered trainers and is open to anyone 16 or older.
Learning to Intervene.
Suicide intervention is a skill. It can be learned, practiced, and used. The goal is not to become a therapist but to be able to provide immediate support and help someone get to safety.
ASIST teaches a specific model: how to recognize warning signs, how to ask directly about suicide, how to listen without judgment, and how to work with someone to create a safety plan. The two-day format includes presentations, group discussions, and simulations where participants practice the skills in a supported environment.
The John Howard Society of Okanagan & Kootenay delivers ASIST workshops in Kelowna. The course is facilitated by two trained LivingWorks instructors and is backed by over 35 years of research.
The Program
Two-day suicide intervention training for anyone 16 or older.
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Understand warning signs and how to ask directly about suicide.
Learn to apply suicide first aid skills for someone experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Identify elements of an effective safety plan and how to implement it.
Group discussions, role-play, audiovisual aids, and practice scenarios led by two LivingWorks-registered trainers.
Understanding how to connect people to community supports.
ASIST certification upon completion.
Location: 1440 St. Paul Street, Kelowna
Cost: $285 plus Eventbrite processing fee (includes course materials and certification)
Duration: Two consecutive days
Eligibility
ASIST is open to:
16 years or older
No prior experience required. Not recommended for people who have had a recent suicide loss.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About ASIST in Kelowna
No. ASIST is used by health and social service providers, but it is designed for anyone who wants to learn. No formal training or professional background is required.
The workshop runs over two consecutive days.
Yes. The cost is $285 plus Eventbrite processing fee. This includes course materials and certification.
Participants receive an ASIST certification from LivingWorks upon completion.
Yes. ASIST is supported by over 50 peer-reviewed studies and 35 years of research. Studies show it improves trainee skills and readiness, and interventions have been shown to increase hope and reduce suicidality.