When Conversation Turns to Suicide, Holyoke, MA (April, 2025)

When Conversation Turns to Suicide is a 16-hour training based in the Alternatives to Suicide approach, and intended as an alternative to ASIST, QPR, and similar approaches that remain rooted in conventional medicalized systems. This training is open to providers, family members, peer supports, first responders, and anyone else who wants to learn how to offer support to someone who is suicidal. Participants will learn:

• Paradigm shifts for a harm reduction approach to suicide
• A framework for being in conversation with someone who is struggling
• The links between trauma (including systemic oppression) and suicide
• The importance of power sharing
• And more!

The training will be held on the following dates:

• Thursday, April 3rd
• Friday, April 4th

Both days will run 9am to 5pm.

A few reminders: Participants must miss no more than two hours of training content (not including breaks) in order to receive a certificate of completion. Please note that there are significant similarities (as well as significant differences) between this training and the Alternatives to Suicide Group Facilitator training. Although we still require people to follow our attendance guidelines even if they have completed the other training, please be prepared for some overlaps in information offered (although we do find that each group is different and there is still much wisdom to be gained even if similar information is being offered).