Mates in Construction SA recently conducted Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) at the North Gambier Football and Netball Club.


The ASIST two-day intensive course teaches participants how to identify the signs and signals that someone might be thinking about suicide and provides practical skills to help keep that person safe and connect them to the help they need.


The 11 volunteers who engaged in ASIST represented diverse backgrounds, including civil and commercial construction, apprenticeship support, education, and electrical trades.


The feedback from the training was that it was challenging but very rewarding, as well as crucial in a region that continues to experience so many people struggling with their mental health and suicide.


MATES SA provided the training free of charge to the Limestone Coast community thanks to funding provided by Country SA PHN.


Anticipating the ongoing need for such vital skills, MATES SA will conduct the next session in Mount Gambier later this year, with subsequent visits every three months to provide consistent support and additional training to the region.