SERC Staff Complete ASIST Suicide Intervention Training

SERC has been working with local charity Suicide Down to Zero to offer specialist training in suicide intervention for College staff. 

Paul Walsh, SERC Downpatrick Campus Manager (Learning Support and Pastoral Care), commented, “ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) enables individuals to develop the skills and confidence to engage a person who is in distress, perhaps considering suicide, to help them to choose life and stay safe. ASIST is often described as first aid for a suicidal person. The ASIST model teaches effective intervention skills while helping to build suicide prevention networks within the community. This programme has been developed in the United States and has been shown by major studies to significantly reduce suicidality. To date 34 staff have received the training.”  

The training will ensure that SERC staff have the confidence and ability to effectively support a person experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts, while longer term support is put in place. 

He added, “None of us know when we will meet a student, a friend or a family member who may be so distressed that they are considering suicide. The more people that are trained to recognise these situations, and who can respond appropriately and confidently, then the better placed we will be to help reduce the number of people taking their own life.   

“The ASIST training is part of a range of initiatives that the College has in place to promote wellbeing and to help build student and staff resilience.  This skill development plays an important part in continuing to make the College a safe and supportive environment for all.”  

Pictured Above: SERC staff who recently completed ASIST Suicide Intervention Training from local charity Suicide Down to Zero.