Umatter® Suicide Prevention Awareness and Skills Training (SPAST) is a two hour training, offered both virtually or in person. It is intended for the general public to aid in suicide prevention efforts. It is a nonclinical training and was created as an upstream approach for suicide prevention so that all partipants can work towards decreasing the stigma of suicide and asking for help. Participants that join will leave the training feeling more confident as a suicide prevention helper in their communities and can direct people to further resources.

The training is not recorded; it is meant to create a space of confidentiality and open conversation while offering an opportunity for participants to share their own lived experiences. At the beginning of the training, there is a list of community agreements, intended to form an inclusive, nonjudgmental space to nurture connection, conversation, and a learning exchange between all people involved.

Throughout the training, participants learn basic knowledge and skills of suicide prevention, including societal myths and attitudes, the usage of sensitive language, risk factors, protective factors, considerations for populations at risk, warning signs, what to say and do, and local and national resources for help. Participants use behavioral practice techniques to apply the Umatter® three-step process for supporting someone who presents at risk for suicide . This basic three step method was created to support the participant’s confidence in talking with someone who may be at risk by 1) listening nonjudgmentally and showing they care, 2) asking a direct question about suicide, and 3) feeling equipped to connect the at risk individual to help and resources (locally and nationally). This three step process is practiced during the session to increase their confidence and comfort.