Conference Agenda

Suicide postvention is a broad field that remains fragmented, under-resourced, and stigmatised. One problem is the lack of a holistic model that provides a common framework for evidence-based suicide postvention activities. Therefore, our paper aimed to prepare such a model. The adjusted Delphi study methodology was used to develop the model. In the first round, the model was based on international guidelines and on a discussion among six international experts (including people with lived experience) to determine its basic structure, components, and the needs it addresses. In the second round, a broader international audience from the field of suicide postvention was invited to comment on the proposed model through a quantitative survey. The results show an integrated evidence-based suicide postvention model. Its three main areas are: Coordination and Development, Support and Treatment, and Awareness and Destigmatisation. According to the experts’ opinions, such an integrated model of postvention activities based on research evidence was much needed in the field. The development of an integrated model will enable the future of postvention to progress more strategically, as it will help stakeholders better understand their current postvention activities and identify areas for improvement.

The situation regarding postvention in Austria varies considerably. Some regions provide effective support for bereaved individuals and affected organisations, while others still have significant room for improvement. Austria has a national suicide prevention program called SUPRA, and regional SUPRA networks now exist in most federal states. Postvention is part of the national suicide prevention program and is represented by a dedicated working group within SUPRA. The goals of this working group are to identify different areas and target groups for postvention, to develop guidelines for postvention and promote their implementation, to establish networks and to foster the exchange of experiences between individuals and organisations already working in the field. Furthermore, existing suicide prevention measures are to be supplemented with postvention services. This has already been achieved in some cases. Another goal is to establish a dedicated coordination office for postvention. This will ensure that postvention is developed and implemented nationwide.

Achievements to date: Networking of support and bereavement groups for those beraved by suicide, public memorial events for suicide loss survivors (within the framework of Yellow September), information events about grief after suicide, development and implementation of postvention recommendations for psychosocial/psychiatric settings, postvention trainings (postvention for mental health professionals and family loss survivors), conferences for suicide loss survivors and integration of support group facilitators into regional SUPRA networks.

Experiences and recommendations: The implementation of SUPRA’s postvention recommendations for psychosocial and psychiatric settings is promoted and sustainably ensured through postvention training, as is the quality of counseling services for bereaved individuals. The integration of postvention into existing regional suicide prevention programs is proving very effective. The integration of postvention into SUPRA has increased awareness among suicide prevention experts regarding the value of postvention measures. This leads to increased openness to the further development of postvention in Austria.

Postvention plans are increasingly available, yet institutional responses after a suicide are still frequently improvised. In the acute phase, uncertainty about “who does what, for whom, and when” can intensify organisational disarray, delay support, and increase risk for both exposed individuals and staff. While expert consensus work has produced recommendations, translating them into operational routines that fit local constraints remains a major implementation gap.
To present an in situ, co-designed methodology that helps institutions transform a Delphi-based set of 129 recommended postvention actions into a locally owned, role-specific coordination system—prepared upstream to reduce emergency improvisation and strengthen crisis response at individual, organisational, and societal levels. Our approach combines structured preparation with contextual adaptation. Its strength is that the same method can be applied to highly diverse settings, because adaptation is driven by an upfront analysis of how each institution functions ‘under crisis pressure’—decision loops, upward/downward communication routes, and key failure points. We work with (not for) the institution through a three-day, multidisciplinary on-site process. First, we map the institution’s realities (resources,existing procedures, communication lines and risk points). Second, we jointly prioritise the most relevant actions from the 129-item consensus inventory and translate them into a specific pathway across key time phases (immediate, short-term, longer-term). Third, we co-create “reflex sheets” for each postvention team role (e.g., leadership, clinical, psychosocial, communication), ensuring coherence with professional functions and decision authority. A transmission plan (with ready-to-use materials) ensures the information of staff and the continuity of replacements. Postvention effectiveness depends less on the existence of a plan than on its adoption for effective implementation. By analysing crisis functioning in advance and co-creating role-based tools, broad recommendations become rehearsable routines that reduce coordination failures. It is then that postvention becomes prevention, even in heterogeneous institutional contexts.

Yellow September is a nationwide awareness initiative promoting mental health and strengthening suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention efforts. The aim is to reduce stigma by enhancing an open discussion on mental health and suicide prevention. The campaign seeks to highlight the importance of early intervention, strengthen knowledge about available support resources, and to empower individuals, families, gatekeepers and the society. To achieve these objectives, the campaign contains a wide range of methods. These include educational efforts, targeted collaboration with schools, workplaces, healthcare and social organisations and NGOs. Community-based events designed to encourage participation and dialogue. In 2025 the awareness campaign had around 40 different events. Workshops, lectures, mental health walks, and symbolic displays of yellow such as lighting public buildings, wearing yellow clothes or accessories to increase visibility and normalize discussions about mental health and suicide prevention at all stages. For instance most members of parliament wore yellow flowers during Althing's opening session and the President of Iceland participated in fireside chat when Yellow September was launched. Events and news are communicated across social media, radio, television and printed platforms. Additionally accurate information and credible support pathways are highlighted throughout the campaign. This year the campaign launched a new web page. Results from Yellow September initiatives indicate growing public awareness about suicide prevention, intervention and postvention in Iceland. The campaign has contributed to more calls and online chats to helplines and more people are using low-threshold resources. There is also increased willingness from NGOs and professionals to collaborate, the number of events has increased and social media reach has enhanced. The conclusion is that Yellow September plays a pivotal role in strengthening suicide prevention, intervention and postvention framework. The campaign raises awareness about the importance of mental health and suicide prevention, guided by love, care and concern.

Bereavement following suicide is a profound risk factor for mental health challenges among young people. Feelings of isolation, stigma, and unresolved grief can increase vulnerability. Postvention strategies, which provide structured support after a suicide, are increasingly recognized as essential components of suicide prevention. This study aims to highlight the importance of bereavement support weekends for young people aged 15–35, organized by the Norwegian NGO LEVE, and to evaluate their perceived impact on participants’ coping and sense of community. LEVE has arranged bereavement support weekends for many years, bringing together approximately 50 young participants each time. The weekends combine group discussions, peer support, and guided activities facilitated by trained professionals. Evaluation data were collected through participant feedback forms and qualitative reflections. Participants consistently report that the weekends are highly meaningful. Many describe the experience as a turning point in their grief process, emphasizing the value of meeting peers with similar experiences, reducing feelings of isolation, and fostering hope. The evaluations indicate that the weekends provide both emotional relief and practical coping strategies. Bereavement support weekends represent a vital postvention measure that addresses the needs of young people bereaved by suicide. By creating safe spaces for shared experiences and professional guidance, these initiatives contribute to healing and resilience, and ultimately strengthen suicide prevention efforts. The presentation will also briefly highlight experiences from family bereavement weekends.