Following the successful introduction of ASIST in Malta in 2025, SOS Malta is organising two further training programmes this September, with ASIST also being brought to Gozo for the first time.

The training is aimed at professionals and organisations who may find practical suicide-intervention skills relevant to their work, particularly within workplace and community settings.

ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) is an internationally recognised, evidence-based suicide-intervention programme. Developed over 40 years ago, it has trained more than two million people worldwide, is supported by over 43 peer-reviewed studies, and is included as a resource and example in publications of the World Health Organization.

SOS Malta said that the programme equips participants to recognise signs that someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, ask directly about suicide, assess immediate safety needs, and connect the person with appropriate further support.

ASIST does not qualify participants as therapists, nor does it replace emergency services, clinical assessment or ongoing professional care. Its value lies in equipping both professionals and members of the wider community with practical intervention skills and the confidence to respond safely and compassionately when someone may be at risk.

ASIST may be especially valuable for HR and People & Culture professionals, Learning & Development teams, wellbeing leads, managers and team leaders, customer-facing personnel, and other staff who may find themselves supporting a colleague or another person experiencing distress.

SOS Malta said that, very often, the first person someone confides in is not a mental health professional, but a colleague, manager, friend or another trusted person. Equipping more people with practical suicide-intervention skills can therefore help strengthen existing workplace support structures and bridge the gap between someone experiencing distress and appropriate professional support.

The two ASIST programmes taking place this September are:
• Malta: 14–15 September 2026 at The Victoria Hotel, Sliema
• Gozo: 17–18 September 2026 at Barts University, Victoria

The training consists of two full days of face-to-face, highly interactive training, amounting to 13 CPD hours.

The standard fee is €590 per participant, with two coffee breaks and lunch included on both training days.

Participants who complete both days will receive a LivingWorks ASIST Certificate, together with an attendance certificate issued jointly by SOS Malta and Grassroots Suicide Prevention.

Organisations and individuals can register for ASIST 2026 through the registration form.