The University of Iceland, the University of Akureyri, Reykjavík University, the Directorate of Health, Landspítali University Hospital and Akureyri Hospital will sign the agreement establishing Miðpunktur at the symposium. The collaboration aims to strengthen suicide research, bring researchers and practitioners together and share evidence-based findings with the academic community, public authorities and others working in the field.

Áslaug Ásgeirsdóttir, Rector of the University of Akureyri, will open the symposium, and Alma D. Möller, Minister of Health, will give an address.

Researchers and practitioners will discuss suicide risk factors and how they change over time, the experiences of young men who have survived a suicide attempt, and the relationship between social support and suicidal behaviour. The programme also covers suicide risk assessment in emergency departments and prevention initiatives such as Yellow September and Headspace. The symposium will conclude with a discussion of next steps.

Free admission and open to all

The symposium is open to everyone and will be of particular interest to people working in mental health and suicide prevention across non-profit organisations, healthcare, local government and research. Admission is free. Participants are asked to register in advance, as symposium materials, refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Register for the symposium
View the programme and further information

If you or someone close to you needs support, the Icelandic Red Cross helpline is available 24/7 by phone at 1717 or via online chat at https://www.1717.is.