Meet Sarah L Rutherford

Providing quality, best-practice suicide prevention training to schools, organisations and communities.

Creating Suicide Safer Communities

The World Health Organisation reports that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. Suicide is a serious public health issue; however, suicides are preventable with timely, evidence-based interventions.

ASIST Training

The worlds leading suicide intervention workshop.

ASIST is a two-day workshop designed to provide valuable skills and knowledge to prevent suicide. Two experienced and supportive trainers lead the training course, guaranteeing all participants a safe and engaging learning environment. ASIST will give you the skills to provide an intervention with individuals within your network who are having thoughts of suicide.

ASIST is a training program created by LivingWorks Education, which is evidence-based and well-evaluated. ASIST has been updated and revised 11 times since 1983, with over 10,000 trainers worldwide across 40 countries. In ASIST you will learn to;

  • Recognise people at risk of suicide.

  • Hear their stories and identify connections to life.

  • Help them stay safe with a life-assisting intervention.

The Role of LivingWorks ASIST in Suicide Prevention

LivingWorks ASIST participants help create safer communities by offering life-changing suicide first-aid interventions. The LivingWorks ASIST workshop is for everyone—whether you're in a corporate setting, school, community organisation, or simply want to be prepared for personal reasons. This workshop equips you with the essential skills to have crucial conversations with someone experiencing thoughts of suicide. Together, we can build a more supportive and understanding environment.

Benefits of ASIST Training

Learn to identify and address signs of suicide risk

LivingWorks training teaches you to recognise warning signs and risk factors for suicide. You'll learn how to start conversations with at-risk individuals and provide the right support.

Join a network of suicide prevention advocates

LivingWorks training attracts a variety of individuals, including healthcare professionals, teachers, community leaders, and concerned citizens. By participating, you'll join a larger network dedicated to preventing suicide.

Feel confident in your ability to help

Suicide prevention can be daunting, but LivingWorks training makes discussing and providing support easier. By the end of the training, you'll have the skills and knowledge to help prevent suicide.

Contribute to suicide prevention efforts in your community

Suicide is a major public health concern, and LivingWorks training equips individuals with the tools to make a difference in their communities. By attending, you can help prevent suicide and support those who may be struggling.

About Me

Sarah’s mission is to collaborate with individuals and groups to create suicide-safer communities by co-hosting LivingWorks ASIST workshops. These workshops empower participants to recognise invitations of suicide and take meaningful, skilful action to support those in crisis. Since suicide is a community health issue, it's essential that everyone receives this training and understands how to help.

Sarah holds a BA, DipEd, and a Master of Education (School Counselling). She has 20 years of experience as a teacher and school counsellor, having worked in schools across Australia, Asia, and the Middle East.

Service Locations

Sarah L Rutherford offers practical, engaging, and empowering best-practice training programs, accessible to individuals, communities, and organisations worldwide, focusing on suicide prevention and support.