Alternatives to Suicide Group Facilitator Training (Wed, Thurs, Fri)

The Alternatives to Suicide approach was developed by the Wildflower Alliance in 2009 as one of the only peer-to-peer groups that allows for in-depth discussion of suicidal thoughts. Rather than risk assessment and behavior control, these groups are based in creating a non-judgmental space in which to break the silence and shame around suicide (and other “taboo” topics.)

This training is specifically for people who have personal experience navigating thoughts of suicide. Please reach out for alternative training resources if you do not openly identify with having suicidal thoughts at any point of your life.

There are a growing number of Alternatives to Suicide groups in the US and beyond… Join us and be a part of the movement. We strongly encourage you to read the following article before purchasing a ticket for this training: https://www.communitypsychology.com/new-approach-to-suicide/

TRAINING DATES AND TIMES: Each day of this in-person training will run from 9AM to 5PM at Holyoke Community College in Holyoke, MA. Training dates are Wednesday, December 6th, Thursday, December 7th and Friday, December 8th. Attendance on all three days is required to complete this training.

TRAINING PREREQUISITES: This training is primarily intended for people who have some basic facilitation skills and/or training, though not absolutely required so long as it is understood that the training is not designed to provide these basic skills. Please come prepared to explore suicide support through a social justice and harm reduction lens. “Alternatives to Suicide” groups operate outside of many of the common assumptions of the current Western medical paradigm.

Please contact Caroline at caroline@wildfloweralliance.org with any questions.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFO:  This training is open to people who have struggled with suicidal thoughts or attempts themselves. Others who are interested in the Alternatives to Suicide approach, but who do not have personal experience should look for a When Conversations Turn to Suicide training instead.

COST: The Wildflower Alliance does not have dedicated funding to support our many trainings offered to individuals or organizations. We rely on fees from participants to continue this important and difficult work. Participant fees pay our uniquely skilled & experienced trainers, support ongoing curriculum development, and help offset the costs of related administrative work. At the same time, we are committed to making these trainings as accessible as possible to community members committed to our work who are poor, disabled, working paycheck-to-paycheck or may not stand to inherit wealth.

We know that sometimes it’s hard to know what to pay when offered a sliding scale. We invite you to be honest about what resources you have access to and what you are able to give to reflect the value of this approach in your life and in the world.

Low Income: $150 – Solidarity rate. For community members committed to our work who are poor, disabled, working paycheck-to-paycheck or may not stand to inherit wealth. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Please contact us if this rate is out of reach for you.

Sustain: $225 – Cover most of our costs. For someone able to meet their basic needs with a little extra money leftover. 

Full Cost: $350 – Support the true value of our training. For people with savings over $5,000 or ample spending money for non-essentials.

Organizational Support: $500+ – Pay for yourself and fund a Low Income participant. For people with access to over $50,000 in cash or liquid assets.

Accessibility:

• Holyoke Community College is on the B23, P11, and and R41 bus routes operated by PVTA. For more information, visit http://www.pvta.com/
• Here is a link with more information about getting to HCC, including directions: https://www.hcc.edu/about/visit-hcc/getting-here
• Designated accessible parking is available in Lot G (permit required).
• The training will be held on the 3rd floor of the Kittredge Center, which has an elevator and accessible bathrooms. Gender neutral bathrooms are on the 2nd and 4th floor.

Expectations:

• Participants are expected to uphold the Wildflower Alliance Defining Principles

Refund/Cancellation Policy: If you wish to cancel your registration, please contact info@wildfloweralliance.org to let us know as soon as possible so that we can ensure there is space available for others who want to participate. For cancellation requests received more than 14 days before the first day of training, you will be refunded the cost of the ticket minus eventbrite fees. For cancellation requests received 14 days or less before the first day of training, we are unable to refund the cost of your ticket.

In the event of unforeseen circumstances (such as serious illness/accident or family emergency) on the part of the trainers, the Wildflower Alliance will make all reasonable attempts to secure a replacement trainer to facilitate the training as scheduled. If a suitable trainer cannot be found, the full cost of all tickets will be refunded to participants (before eventbrite fees).