Scotland leading the way in suicide prevention and research

World-leading experts in suicide prevention are to gather in Scotland this year, to share international perspectives on how suicide can be reduced.

The conference, organised jointly by the Universities of Edinburgh and Stirling, will bring together 400 leading researchers, clinicians and policy-planners. Its aim is to share insights that may help those at risk of engaging in suicidal behaviour.

Experts from around the world will be invited to speak on all aspects of suicide, including the psychological element of suicidal behaviour, school-based strategies for reducing adolescent suicide and the treatment of those at risk.

The 12^th European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour (ESSSB12) will be held in Glasgow from 27^th-30^th August of 2008, and highlights Scotland's place at the forefront of suicide prevention efforts.

Research shows that worldwide there is one suicide every 40 seconds. In Scotland, around two people die by suicide every day. The conference organisers hope that by sharing cross-cultural knowledge and experience of suicide prevention, Scotland will meet its target of reducing suicide by 20 per cent – set by the national prevention strategy and action plan, Choose Life.

Dr. Rory O'Connor heads the Suicidal Behaviour Research Group at the University of Stirling is the UK Representative of the International Association for Suicide Prevention. He is also co-president of the symposium.

He said: "It is a great coup for Scotland to win the bid to host the bi-annual 12th European Symposium on suicide and suicidal behaviour.This is the most prestigious suicide prevention conference in Europe, and it aims to improve our understanding and prevention of suicide and self-harm.It highlights that Scotland is leading the way in all areas of suicide prevention and research."

Professor Stephen Platt, Director of the Research Unit in Health, Behaviour and Change at the University of Edinburgh, is also co-president of the event.

He said: "The conference aims to bring together the leading authorities on suicide prevention from across the globe. As suicide prevention is everyone's business, the conference will appeal to anyone with an interest in this field.It also provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the world-class work being conducted in Scotland, including Choose Life, the national suicide prevention strategy."

The ESSSB12 is organised jointly by the Universities of Edinburgh and Stirling, in partnership with the Suicide Information Research and Evidence Network (SIREN) and supported by the Scottish Government and NHS Health Scotland.