Intervention Skills
Training
"Sandy and Chris were exceptional as trainers - taking us through every stage of PAL with understanding and appreciation, ensuring we were fully equipped and confident. My learning experience with you is life-changing and affirmative."
Twenty-two participants completed ASIST in Hong Kong on 22 and 23 November 2025, led by Chris Grant with co-trainer Sandy Sinn, in partnership with 21st Century Learning International. Chris made the trip from Scotland - a country with a focused national suicide prevention strategy - bringing with him a diverse professional background spanning education, sport and youth work that shapes a practical, people-first approach to training.
Sandy Sinn brought invaluable local knowledge and an established professional network to this delivery - her connections were central to building a full cohort and her credibility as an Asian trainer presenting on a topic still considered taboo in parts of the region resonated deeply with participants.
This was a two-day applied skills workshop - not an awareness session. Participants left with a working knowledge of the PAL framework and the practical ability to intervene with someone at risk of suicide. Every measure rated above 9.4 out of 10 and self-rated confidence rose sharply across all four measures. Participants described the training as life-changing, practical, and long overdue for wider audiences in the region.
Chris Grant and Sandy Sinn, Hong Kong, November 2025
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Suicide prevention sits at the very heart of what it means to support young people holistically. Schools across the Asia-Pacific region are navigating increasing levels of student distress, and educators are often the first to notice the signs. We have a responsibility to equip them with the tools, language, and confidence to respond effectively. For 21st-Century Learning, being involved in this work is an extension of our core mission.
Real suicide intervention skills - not just awareness. Here is what 22 participants said about the November 2025 workshop.
All four measures scored above 9.4 out of 10. The recommendation score of 9.73 reflects strong participant confidence in the value of the training for others in their networks. The practical applicability scores confirm that ASIST delivers skills not awareness.
| Competency | Before | After | Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| I would ask directly about suicide | 3.95 | 4.86 | +0.91 |
| I would do a suicide intervention | 4.05 | 4.91 | +0.86 |
| I feel prepared to help | 3.05 | 4.68 | +1.63 |
| I feel confident to help | 3.19 | 4.68 | +1.49 |
Across all four measures the direction is the same - participants started with moderate self-confidence and finished close to the maximum. The sharpest gains were in preparedness and confidence to help. Post-training scores of 4.68 to 4.91 out of 5 indicate the vast majority left feeling genuinely ready to act.
Sandy and Chris were praised by name for passion, professionalism, and creating a safe and engaging space.
The PAL framework was described as clear, structured, and immediately applicable in real situations.
The shift from awareness to readiness was the defining outcome. Participants who arrived uncertain left equipped.
Participants called for parents, teachers, and the wider community to access this training. Several called it long overdue.
Sandy and Chris were exceptional as trainers - taking us through every stage of PAL with understanding and appreciation, ensuring we were fully equipped and confident. My learning experience with you is life-changing and affirmative.
Sandy and Chris were a wonderful team who delivered the training in a personal and productive manner. They are two passionate people doing great work to bring awareness and skills to the general population.
Amazing workshop with a clear and detailed framework to follow. Makes it easy to follow.
I loved that Sandy is an Asian person presenting on such a topic that can be considered taboo. Thank you for your work, effort, and passion.
This training has helped me build my confidence in assisting people with suicidal thoughts.
Super impactful! Thought-stimulating. Need more parents and teachers trained.
One participant noted that energy was highest in the morning of Day 2 and suggested front-loading key content to make the most of that window.
One participant suggested rotating trainers between workgroups on each day so all participants benefit from the expertise of both trainers.
The November 2025 ASIST workshop in Hong Kong was an outstanding delivery. Twenty-two participants left with a clear framework, measurably higher confidence, and the practical ability to assist someone thinking about suicide. The partnership with Sandy Sinn was central to this success. Chris Grant and Sandy Sinn delivered with professionalism, warmth, and authority. The partnership with 21CLI provided the infrastructure for strong delivery in Hong Kong. Two days. Real skills. A stronger network of safety.
The Hong Kong workshop has established a strong foundation for ASIST in Asia. What follows are recommendations for consolidating this momentum and growing the reach of applied suicide intervention training across the region.
Sandy is ideally placed to drive ASIST awareness and delivery across Asia independently. 21CLI provides the platform to sustain momentum between international trainer visits.
Sandy is already delivering SafeTALK across the region. Directing graduates toward ASIST and 21CLI creates a natural, cost-effective pipeline into future cohorts.
ASIST is already confirmed as a pre-con at PHASE Shanghai in May 2025. This model should be replicated at future PHASE events across the region.
A structured follow-up - a WhatsApp community or invitation to share publicly - would convert enthusiasm into word-of-mouth referrals for future courses.
This distinctive international partnership should be named explicitly in all marketing. Invite LivingWorks to recognise and amplify the collaboration through a case study or feature.
Sandy brings established relationships with educators and schools. Combined with 21CLI and PHASE, there is a clear route to a dedicated schools-focused strand of ASIST delivery.
All written comments from the 22 feedback forms. Forms with no written comment have been omitted.
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