Citation

De Fauw N, Andriessen K. Psychiatr. Danub. 2006; 18(Suppl 1): 114.

Affiliation

Flemish Working Group on Suicide Survivors, and Suicide Prevention Project of the Mental Health Centre, Mental Health Centre PassAnt, Beertsestraat 21, 1500 Halle, Belgium. (nicodefauw@werkgroepverder.be)

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Facultas Universitatis Studiorum Zagrabiensis - Danube Symposion of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16964069

Abstract

The Flemish Working Group on Suicide Survivors ('Verder') coordinates, facilitates and supports suicide survivor activities. Goals of the Group include to increase the support for survivors and to raise awareness among caregivers, policy makers and society. From 2000 onwards, a national survivor program with a variety of activities has been implemented. Working towards the goals often includes working with media. The aim of this presentation is to give an overview of all media activities developed throughout the national program: - publication of a directory of services, a Charter of Rights of Suicide Survivors, guidelines on facilitating support groups, and articles in professional and general public journals; - a media policy regarding interviews with survivors, a pool of candidate interviewees, and written recommendations for journalists; - an interactive website www.werkgroepverder.be; - a theatre play; - active media campaigns with a radio spot and posters; and - a Media Award for responsible portrayal. Most recent developments include an interactive website for suicide bereaved children and the first novel of a series of books for children-adolescents. Evaluation: The awareness and support for survivors has increased. In addition, the Working Group has become well known and has a very constructive relation with media and journalists.

Language: en