People recommended to attend include:

• Journalists
• Media teams - TV, radio and press
• Communications teams
• Suicide prevention leads from local authority
• Coroners
• Others who are responsible for media enquiries following a suspected suicide.

There is limited availability for this event so please book now to reserve a space.

Agenda:

10am Welcome - tea and coffee

10.30am Setting the scene: Paul Hopley, Deputy Director – ICS Mental Health

10.45am Samaritans presentation

11.45am Q&A with the Samaritans

12.15pm Networking lunch

1pm Personal experience: Tony Harrison, Papyrus Trustee

1.45pm Q&A with Tony Harrison, Papyrus Trustee

2pm Workshop

2.45pm Closing: Louise Thomas, Clinical Network Programme Manager

Information about speakers

Research evidence has linked certain types of media reporting of suicide with imitational suicidal behaviour. Due to the risks associated with covering this topic, Samaritans works closely with the media to support safe coverage of suicide and has published Media Guidelines for Reporting Suicide. The media can play an important role in helping to prevent suicides, by raising awareness of the issues surrounding suicide, tackling the stigma around suicide and encouraging help-seeking behaviour.

Samaritans will be presenting a talk on media coverage of suicide, this session will provide an overview of:

• findings from global research on suicide reporting, highlighting the main risk areas and how journalists can avoid these;
• the main issues surrounding so-called ‘imitational’ suicidal behaviour and social contagion;
• some specific reporting challenges for journalists including; inquests, youth suicides and clusters, high profile suicides, social media and the online environment;
• discussion around what can be helpful coverage, suicide-related issues that are in the public interest and how news reports can support national efforts to prevent suicides;
• advice and support available for journalists from Samaritans’ media advisory team.

Bereaved father and Papyrus trustee, Tony Harrison, said: “I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase ‘the power of the press’. I didn’t realise until my daughter took her life how much power they actually have. My talk may shock you, anger you but will certainly open your eyes and give an insight into how ruthless they can be in pursuing a story. I will also talk about how stigma is a major hindrance to suicide prevention and often not given the importance it deserves and why it’s so difficult to get rid of.”