Suicide Research & Prevention (VLESP, Vlaams Expertise Centrum voor Suïcidepreventie)

Background and research focus

Background

VLESP, (Dutch: Vlaams Expertisecentrum Suïcidepreventie), the Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention, is a partner organisation of the Flemish Government for suicide prevention. VLESP was founded in 2014.

In collaboration with the Flemish government, VLESP coordinates the Flemish Suicide Prevention Action Plan.

To this end, VLESP shares its evidence-based and practice-based knowledge and experience with other professionals serving people at risk for suicide by stimulating training of gatekeepers and professionals, developing new preventive actions and networking.

More information on VLESP and its mission and vision

Research focus

Objectives

Provide a scientific base for suicide prevention and postvention in Flanders.
Provide the government, relevant organisations and the public at large with information, documentation and advice regarding suicide prevention, postvention and mental health promotion.
Develop evidence-based methods and materials for suicide prevention, postvention and mental health promotion or support its development in a scientific and methodological manner.
Support the implementation of methods and materials for suicide prevention, postvention and mental health promotion, including training of professionals and gatekeepers.
Coordination of the Flemish Suicide Prevention Action Plan.

What do we offer?

Information and advice

VLESP informs and advices about suicide, suicide prevention, postvention and mental health promotion and acts as an advisory body for the Flemish Government.

A lot of information on suicide prevention, postvention and mental health promotion can be found on the zelfmoord1813 website.

Development of methods and tools:
- Developing and creating new methods and tools for the prevention and postvention of suicide. Visit our website for an overview of the projects. Encouraging and monitoring the dissemination of these methods and materials in Flanders.
- All methods and tools are available at the zelfmoord1813 website. More information can be found on the Projects and Publications pages. For other questions, you can reach us via info@vlesp.be.

Implementation: VLESP contributes to the implementation of methods and tools on suicide prevention, postvention and mental health promotion.