Caring Contact ASIST Training

Westfield NJ

23 March, 2022

11:42 AM

Description

On March 19th and 20th Caring Contact trained 24 new crisis line volunteers in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). ASIST is an internationally acclaimed two-day interactive training program in suicide first aid designed to provide trainees with the hands-on skills to intervene in the case of suicide. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training is the most widely used suicide prevention training program in the world. The ASIST model is required training for all crisis line volunteers at Caring Contact. "As a master trainer of ASIST, I am so proud that we can provide this training to our listeners,” stated Arlene Klemow, Caring Contact Training Director, “It not only provides hands on skills, but it gives our listeners the confidence to do this challenging and lifesaving work.” Caring Contact walks volunteers through a 12-week course in active listening skills to prepare them to take calls on the crisis line, but ASIST elevates their skills to the next level. In addition to providing ASIST to volunteers on the crisis line, Caring Contact offers this training in the community. ASIST is ideal for people with a variety of backgrounds, including first responders, teachers, school administrators, social workers, counselors, clergy, business managers and parents. “ASIST training is an experience that I would recommend to anyone looking to better understand suicide, recognize when it might occur, and gain the ability to calmly follow proven steps to prevent it,” said Caring Contact listener Jason Pauloski. Caring Contact is an award-winning, volunteer-staffed caring and crisis hotline providing active listening support and best in class education to the Central and Northern New Jersey community. Caring Contact attentively and compassionately serve those in emotional distress and educate communities about the power of personal connection. More than 80 trained volunteer listeners answered over 13,500 calls last year from people in crisis, having suicidal thoughts or simply need someone to listen. Caring Contact is a member of the International Council of Helplines, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and the American Association of Suicidology. To learn more, visit www.caringcontact.org. If you, or someone you know is in crisis, call 800.273.8255. You are not alone.