Awareness Raising

Increasing awareness of suicide and suicidal ideation through societal discourse facilitates access to appropriate and equitable support and services. At the same time, the aim is to support a sense of community and a feeling of mutual responsibility. Every one of us can support those at risk of suicide with compassion and without condemnation.

In order for this to be possible, we need to address common prejudices surrounding mental health disorders as well as substance use disorders as both of these are significantly associated with suicide. Key professionals for this task include youth workers, coaches, school psychologists, social workers, reception centre and parish staff, guards, police officers, debt counsellors, enforcement authorities, paramedics, emergency rescue workers, prison guards, journalists, supervisors and so on.

Measure 1: Providing systematic information on mental health promotion and suicide prevention measures to the general public.

Measure 2: Continued collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and the Internal Security Strategy in providing suicide prevention training for different front-line professionals.