Mindstep starts delivering ASIST Training

With funding from The Brothers Trust, Mindstep has qualified two trainers to be able to deliver Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), the worlds leading suicide intervention workshop.

Our trainers, Alexandra Copley and Jo Johnson, have now successfully delivered their second workshop to staff at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools, following the first session with student counsellors at Tŷ Ellis in April.

15 staff members are now qualified as ASIST caregivers who can recognise and support someone at risk of suicide.

Rachel Rees, MEd, BA (Hons), Senior Deputy Head Pastoral, Monmouth School for Girls said:

“As a senior leader responsible for managing pastoral care across the school, knowledge of suicide prevention is essential. I have attended many training courses to ensure I have the right skills to support someone who is desperately in need and contemplating suicide, learning some useful skills.

The ASIST Workshop however is in an entirely different league. It is THE best suicide prevention course I have ever been on. It was a thought-provoking and exceptionally worthwhile course which has equipped us with essential skills to support our young people when they might be struggling. The practical side of the course was exceptionally beneficial in allowing us to practise the methodology being taught.

I would personally like to thank the Mindstep Foundation and Brothers’ Trust, for funding two of our colleagues – Alex and Jo – to become ASIST Trainers. We are so grateful that Alex and Jo and are delivering the ASIST Programme across our community, giving people the skills to potentially save lives. I cannot recommend this training highly enough and I know this sentiment is echoed by colleagues with whom I trained.”

Thank you to our fantastic trainers, The Brothers Trust and well done to those newly qualified with potentially life-saving skills.

We will be delivering ASIST training to organisations in the local area. Watch this space for more details!