Supporting Staff to Support Young People

As part of an annual rolling programme, ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) is being offered to Scottish Borders Council Education staff. This training has been introduced following a Child Protection Learning Review and should be prioritised for attendance.

The programme aims to ensure that all pastoral staff, members of secondary school senior management teams and central education staff are appropriately trained to support children and young people who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide.

📅 19 & 20 May 2027
🕘 8:50am – 5:00pm (both days)

This two-day interactive workshop in suicide first aid is being partially funded by the NHS Health Improvement Team.

What will participants learn?

An ASIST-trained caregiver will be better able to:

✅ Identify people who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide and offer support
✅ Seek a shared understanding of the reasons behind suicidal thoughts
✅ Apply a recognised suicide intervention model
✅ Review current risk and develop a plan to increase safety from suicidal behaviour
✅ Link individuals with appropriate community resources and support services

Important Information

🎓 ASIST certification is valid for three years, after which refresher training is required.

🏫 Each school has been allocated two places on this programme, with other places available first come first serve.

📧 To secure places, please email CLPL@scotborders.gov.uk with the names of attendees from your school as soon as possible.

🔗 Attendees will receive a registration link directly from the NHS approximately 12 weeks prior to the programme to complete their sign-up.

➕ If your school would like additional places, please contact the CLPL Team who will explore whether further spaces can be made available.

Why Attend?

ASIST is internationally recognised training that equips staff with practical skills and confidence to intervene safely and effectively when someone may be at risk of suicide. By developing a shared understanding and approach across our schools and services, we can strengthen the support available to children and young people when they need it most. 💙