International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)

IASP continues to build on existing and new networks for the dissemination of research and evidenced based practice. The World Congresses Regional conferences symposia and workshops provide a significant platform to share knowledge skills research and good practices for those involved in suicide prevention; from academics and researchers policy makers to NGOs and those working in the community. Sessions vary greatly from research outcomes to workshops training opportunities and a public forum. Published under the Auspices of the International Association for Suicide Prevention Crisis - The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention is an international periodical that publishes original articles on suicidology and crisis intervention.

The World Health Organization WHO encourages all its members to take effective action to prevent suicidal behaviour but recognises that there is no one way forward: [t]he steps a country should take next will depend on where the country is on the way towards suicide prevention WHO 2014: 66. Countries that have relatively comprehensive national response are advised to focus on evaluation and improvement updating knowledge with new data and emphasising effectiveness and efficiency. Countries with existing suicide prevention activities should identify what is already in place and where there are gaps that need to be filled. Countries yet to undertake suicide prevention activities should concentrate on identifying and engaging stakeholders developing activities where there is greatest need or where resources already exist and improving surveillance. IASP recognise the need to provide expert support to countries especially low and middle income countries [LaMICs] where suicide prevention action has not yet been initiated or where activities are being under- taken in a non-strategic and uncoordinated manner. World Health Organization WHO 2014 Preventing suicide. A global imperative. WHO: Geneva.

IASP membership is at the core of the organisation and remains the focus for all IASP deliverables. Membership is open to all those interested in suicide prevention benefits include joining special interest groups lower priced conference fees and a subscription to the scientific journal 'Crisis.' Special Interest Groups represent multi-disciplinary networks who work together to pursue a shared interest in a specific and legitimate suicide prevention topic with a view to making a substantive contribution to improved understanding practice or policy relating to that topic. Early career researchers clinicians healthcare and related professionals play a key role suicide prevention and the activities of IASP. Development of this community group will contribute to capacity building sustainability and effectiveness of suicide prevention strategy and action in the future.