Community and drug project staff complete ASIST course

LOCAL drug project staff and some members of the community completed Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) in Kiltalown House in Jobstown last week.

The attendees of the HSE-delivered programme include staff from drug projects CARP, WASP and the Tallaght Rehabilitation Project (TRP), and some other members of the Tallaght community.

Pat Daly, manager of TRP, told The Echo that the decision was made to hold the course after staff expressed a desire to upskill their suicide awareness training for the benefit of their clients.

“The training came from a meeting we had with the HSE in and around some of the concerns we’ve had with clients coming here with suicidal ideation, and there have been suicides in the area,” he said.

The two-day course equipped attendees with additional skills to help people who may be suicidal, and looks at a ‘first aid’ model that aims to prevent instances of suicide.

For TRP staff, the workshop complements the existing protocols that TRP has in place for suicidal clients.

“We have certain protocols, but I always felt there was more we needed to know,” explained Mr Daly.

“I think the training has greatly equipped not only the staff, but the management team – it’s brought us a step further and given us the tools to help people and respond to an emotional crisis.

“There was a lovely atmosphere [during the training], and people felt more empowered to be able to help and support people in the community.”

Mr Daly added that he is hoping to organise a safeTALK (Suicide Alertness for Everyone) programme in the near future, to help staff and members of the community to build on their new skills.