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“Lives can be saved” — that was the powerful message driving conversations led by Orygen at the International Association for Suicide Prevention’s 33rd World Congress.
The IASP brings together world experts to promote evidence-based strategies and collaboration in suicide prevention.
Professor Jo Robinson, President of IASP and Head of Suicide Prevention at Orygen, set the tone for the conference by reminding visitors of the importance of “evidence-based strategies, community-led initiatives, and political commitment”.
“The message is clear: when governments invest in comprehensive, rights-based, national strategies, lives can be saved,” Prof. Robinson remarked in her opening address.
Orygen’s Suicide Prevention team contributed significantly to the program, delivering 10 symposiums, presentations and panels.
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Dr Elise Carrotte shared her research into how digital toold can be used to support at-risk young people
Dr Louise La Sala and Dr Bridget Kenny presented on using social media as a tool for suicide prevention, sharing the work of the world-first #chatsafe program. Dr Elise Carrotte shared her research on youth and professional perspectives regarding digital tools for suicide prevention, as well as challenges of digital tools in the clinical context, and safety management procedures when collecting real-time suicide data.
In a Pecha Kucha, a quickfire presentation competition, Researcher Charlie Cooper presented on suicide, social media and LGBTQIA+ youth, for which he won the People’s Choice award, as voted by conference participants.
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Charlie Cooper won a People's Choice award for his presentation on LGBTQIA+ young people's social media use and opportunities for support
The concerning rise in rates of self-harm and suicide in young women and girls was addressed in a presentation by Dr Kenny, and discussed further at a roundtable event with Prof. Robinson, Dr La Sala, and other leaders in the field.
Meanwhile, Dr La Sala was honoured with the Andrej Marušič Early Career Research Award, a prestigious award celebrating her contribution to the field.
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Dr Louise La Sala (right) was honored with the Andrej Marušič Early Career Research Award
Orygen’s presence at the congress underscored its position as a global leader in youth suicide prevention, committed to advancing research, policy, and practice that saves young lives.