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Guidance for portrayals of suicide and self-harm in drama

When suicide is featured in drama and literature, as with all other media depictions of suicide, care should be taken to avoid content which could be harmful to vulnerable people.

Guidance for covering suicide and self-harm in documentaries

Documentaries can inform and educate the public about suicidal behaviour, including the signs which may indicate a person is struggling to cope, and encourage important conversations and help seeking.

Guidance for reporting on murder suicides

Murder-suicide incidents are rare but their impact can be widespread. Family, friends, neighbours and witnesses may be traumatised in the aftermath.

Guidance for working with people bereaved by suicide

If a death by suicide is considered to be in the public interest, journalists may wish to speak with family members and friends.

Guidance on reporting suicide for broadcast media for Ireland

The wide reach of broadcast material, including online, as well as the diverse audience it attracts, makes responsible approaches to covering suicide particularly important.

Guidance for reporting on rail suicides

Suicides on the railways are public incidents and because they may disrupt travel services, media interest is commonplace, particularly from local news outlets.

Guidance for reporting on youth suicides

It is important for journalists to be aware that young people are a particularly vulnerable audience in relation to media coverage of suicide and self-harm.

Guidance for reporting on celebrity and high profile suicides

When a death or suicide attempt involves a celebrity or high-profile person there is a greater likelihood of others identifying with the person.

Guidance for reporting on inquests for Ireland

Information and conclusions shared during an inquest can offer an opportunity to aid understanding of some of the issues surrounding suicide.

10 top tips for reporting suicide

These 10 top tips and Samaritans’ resources for journalists reinforce industry codes of practice to support the highest standards of safe coverage of suicide.

Samaritans' media guidelines for reporting suicide in Ireland

Our guidance offers practical advice and tips on how to safely cover the topic of suicide in the media. Download our media guidelines and read our best practice tips here.

Adrienne's Story: World Suicide Prevention Day 2024

Adrienne, 29, from North Lanarkshire, called Samaritans when she was struggling to cope. On World Suicide Prevention Day, she is encouraging people to say how they are really feeling and get the support they need.

• 10th September 2024
• Blog
• Scotland

Danny's story

"That first step of acknowledging and expressing that something isn't right is the biggest step you'll take. Talking truly saves lives. You're never alone."

Samaritans Scotland's response to the suicide statistics for 2023

Samaritans Scotland has responded to today’s release of data from National Records of Scotland in its annual update on suicide statistics for 2023.

• 13th August 2024
• Scotland

Autumn 2024 newsletter

Welcome to your Autumn 2024 edition of 24/7!

Guidance for online services

Safe design and content management in online suicide and self-harm prevention

Celebrating Volunteers Week – Honouring Our Samaritans Volunteers

Our heartfelt thanks to every single volunteer for everything you do to keep our services running day and night to ensure people never have to face their problems alone. You are all extraordinary.

• 3rd June 2024

Redbridge Samaritans Branch Conference

An amazing day at our annual Redbridge Samaritans Branch Conference!

Saskia's story

"When I’m doing a long or challenging run, I often feel like Dad is up there watching and cheering me on."

Samaritans community unites to tell the world: We believe in tomorrow

Ahead of the iconic event, we share what it means to us to be the 2024 TCS London Marathon Charity of the Year, and what we have planned for marathon day.

• 19th April 2024
• Blog
• All