Building a Safer Tomorrow with ASIST Training

At Gluckstein Lawyers, fostering a supportive and compassionate environment is one of our core values. This extends not only to our team but also to the clients we serve. With mental health challenges becoming increasingly prevalent, we believe it’s critical to provide our staff with the tools and knowledge to address mental health crises effectively and empathetically. ?

Recently, several members of our team participated in the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), a widely recognized program focused on suicide prevention. This impactful training was led by the experienced and compassionate professionals Brad Hutchinson and Paula Cordeiro from The Gatehouse in Toronto, and it has had a profound effect on how we approach mental health—both in the workplace and beyond. ?

What is ASIST Training? ?

ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) is a two-day interactive workshop that equips participants with the skills to identify individuals who are at risk of suicide and provide immediate, life-saving interventions. Through engaging discussions, role-playing exercises, and practical strategies, the training enhances participants’ confidence and ability to handle such situations with care and competence. ?

For workplaces, this program offers more than just knowledge; it creates a culture of understanding, de-stigmatization, and safety by empowering teams to recognize the signs of suicidal behavior and take meaningful action.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can bring ASIST training into your workplace, please click the link here. For more information about the ASIST program, please click here.

Why It Matters. ?

For us at Gluckstein Lawyers, the training was particularly relevant given the nature of our work. Many of our clients seek legal support during moments of profound personal distress. Understanding how to recognize the early signs of a mental health crisis and knowing how to provide appropriate help ensures that we can better serve our clients in their most vulnerable moments. ?

Beyond our professional roles, this training is invaluable in our personal lives. Mental health struggles don’t stop at the workplace door; they affect friends, family members, and communities. Having the tools to intervene can make a lasting impact, potentially saving lives. ?

A Continued Commitment to Mental Health. ?

At Gluckstein Lawyers, mental health remains a key focus. We are committed to not only supporting mental health initiatives for our clients and staff but also fostering broader awareness of suicide prevention and emotional well-being. Participating in ASIST training is one of the many steps we are taking to create a culture where empathy and understanding thrive.

Mental health conversations can be difficult, but they are essential. By continuing to upskill our team with programs like ASIST, we aim to ensure that anyone who is struggling—whether inside or outside our firm—feels seen, heard, and supported. ?

If you or someone you know might be in need of support, we encourage you to seek help. Resources like crisis hotlines, mental health organizations, or trained professionals can make all the difference. ?

We believe in working together to create a community where everyone feels they belong and where no one faces a mental health crisis alone.