Guidelines for Country-Based Programmes of Suicide Prevention (2002-2004)

Funded by

Belgian Federal Public Service for Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment

Duration

24 months, from 2002 to 2004

Summary

This project was carried out in close collaboration with the WHO European Network on Suicide Prevention and Research and the Department of International Relations of the Belgian Federal Public Service for Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment.

Objectives

To expand the scope of knowledge on current activities in the WHO/EURO region in promoting country-based programmes on suicide prevention, not only at national level, but at local and regional level as well.

Activities and outcomes

Activities

A questionnaire was circulated to all members of the WHO European Network on Suicide Prevention and Research and to the members of the Steering Group of the Mental Health Project 'Enhancing social cohesion through strengthening community mental health services' of the South Eastern Europe Stability Pact. Replies were received from 25 of the 32 countries.

Outcomes

The paper ‘Guidelines For Country-Based Programmes of Suicide Prevention' which provides information on principles needed to create effective suicide prevention strategies at country, regional and local level; gives examples of regional and national strategies of suicide prevention on the WHO European region; and takes into consideration the conclusions and recommendations of the conference 'Suicide prevention strategies in Europe' hosted by the Belgian federal Public Service For Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment.