SAMARITANS are hosting an online workshop in order to teach others how to effectively communicate on the subjects of suicide or mental health.

Samaritans stated: “Sensitive reporting can inform and educate the public about suicide, encouraging important conversations and promoting help seeking. However, research evidence shows that some forms of media coverage can lead to increases in suicide rates.”

The workshop is focused on media teams, communications teams, third sector organisations, students from school to university level, teachers and anyone using social media whose content includes communication around mental health and suicide.

Topics will cover how to use social media cautiously when addressing suicide or reporting suicide, including references on prevention without causing harm through reporting, and how to avoid undue emotional distress when communication cases of suicide or sensitive topics around mental health.

Professor Roy Greenslade Journalist, Media Commentator and Honorary Visiting Professor, City, University of London said: “There is a public interest in reporting on suicide.

“We must not ignore it. Society should be aware that a person has died and, in the broadest of terms, how it occurred. The factual disclosure of deaths is one of journalism’s most important tasks.

“To do otherwise, to suppress the information, opens the door to ill-founded conjecture and distressing rumours.

“Our humanity should ensure that we take care in how we report a suicide. It is unacceptable to add to the grief of family and friends through sensationalist or cavalier reporting. We need to exercise care in the use of language and, especially, in the writing of headlines. There is, sadly, a stigma around suicide and we should not make matters worse.”

The workshop will be held on Monday December 7 on Microsoft teams between 10am and 12pm, and places can be booked by contacting Jennifer.hicken@nhs.net .