Work packages

There are five work packages in the project.

Work package No.1: Project Management

Working in a dedicated ERE project team, including university educators, mental health professionals,
policymakers, and representatives from suicide prevention organizations, will oversee implementation and monitoring.

This project requires a European approach, as no single-country initiative can transform suicide prevention education on a
large scale. International collaboration is essential to filling critical gaps in suicide prevention efforts. By strengthening the
role of higher education institutions in suicide prevention, the project aims to create long-term policy integration and
widespread societal change. Through coordinated advocacy, digital learning technologies, and interdisciplinary expertise,
this initiative will ensure sustainable, large-scale impact.

Work package No.2: Needs Assessment and Challenges Inventory

WP2 focuses on conducting modified HESP surveys (https://survey.lnu.se/HESP.CCB) targeting students, academic staff,
management, and student healthcare providers to assess key challenges, needs, and gaps in suicide prevention education.
The findings will guide universities in integrating inclusive, evidence-based, and innovative learning approaches.

WP2 will provide a scalable strategy with data-driven insights into the needs of the Higher Education Suicide Prevention
Curriculum, enabling universities to enhance student resilience, well-being, and future professional capabilities. The results
will raise awareness, improve accessibility, and drive lasting impact across Europe and beyond.


Key Results

  • Increased Awareness & Engagement. University management will better understand the challenges and ensure that students, staff, and administrators contribute to shaping suicide prevention education.
  • Comprehensive Written Reports. Each country will produce a standardized report with key findings available on the project
    website, university platforms and IASP website.
  • Video Summaries. Short, engaging video summaries will make findings more accessible for students with mental health
    challenges, neurodivergent individuals, and key stakeholders.
  • Comparative Report on Stakeholder Needs. A cross-country analysis will compare the perspectives of students, academic
    staff, and administrators, offering actionable insights for universities and policymakers.
  • Inclusive Video Report on International Findings. A comparative video report will highlight key trends, reinforcing the importance of structured suicide prevention education.

Work package No.3: Course Development and Innovation

WP3 focuses on developing sustainable, inclusive, needs-informed and innovative suicide prevention education resources
tailored for higher education institutions. It aims to enhance crisis response capacity and resilience, integrating digital learning tools to equip students, academic staff, and student healthcare professionals with suicide prevention skills.

Main results

  1. The Risk Scenarios Training (Game) will provide an interactive learning tool for students, faculty, and healthcare
    professionals to recognize and respond to suicide risk factors. It will include real-life scenario simulations to strengthen crisis
    intervention skills. The game will be piloted in Sweden and adapted in other partner countries.
  2. The Simulation & Communication Training (Forum Games) will create structured role-play exercises designed to enhance
    suicide prevention communication skills among academic staff, student healthcare professionals, and students. These
    training modules will include expert feedback mechanisms and be scalable for educational institutions.
  3. The 12 Steps Safety Plan for Academia (appl) will be developed to offer a confidential, 24/7 support system for students
    and staff. The app will include self-assessment tools, coping strategies, and crisis resources facilitating access to mental
    health support services.
  4. The Suicide Prevention in War Times module will be based on literature research and the Higher Education Suicide
    Prevention (HESP) inventory. It will provide targeted resources for students and professionals dealing with mental health
    challenges in war-affected areas. Ukrainian partners will lead the development, ensuring the content is evidence-based and
    relevant to crisis settings.
  5. The ERE Course – Enriched ELLIPSE Gatekeeper+ Training will expand suicide prevention education by focusing on
    resilience-building. Hosted on Navoica.pl, it will be translated into Spanish for broader accessibility. Each country will
    determine the best online platform for national implementation.

All materials and tools will be available across university platforms, national education portals, and international suicide prevention networks to ensure widespread adoption and long-term sustainability.

Work package No.4: European Summer School of Suicidology and European Summer School of Suicidology Alumni Network

The 4th work package will focus on:

  • Building Inclusive Higher Education Systems. WP4 (European Summer School of Suicidology) will “test” WP3 resources, offering an immersive learning experience beyond traditional settings. Its intensive, focused format allows participants to gain unforgettable experiences, build networks, and develop skills quickly.
  • Supporting HEIs in Their Cooperation with Ukrainian Counterparts. WP4 training equips students and professionals in conflict-affected areas with hope and suicide prevention skills. Condensed, high-impact training fully engages participants without distractions and other responsibilities.
  • Stimulating Innovative Learning and Teaching Practices. The program integrates WP3 interactive pedagogical approaches, e.g. gamification, AI, role-plays, and case studies. Participants co-develop the content of training to ensure practical, real-world relevance.
  • Overcoming Skills Mismatch and Addressing Labour Market Needs. WP4 directly responds to mental health workforce demands by offering specialized suicide prevention training. Graduates gain essential competencies, preparing them to support individuals in crisis and meet emerging labour market needs.
  • New Learning and Teaching Methods and Approaches. The program pioneers hybrid training, combining in-person workshops, online modules, and interactive simulations accommodating different learning styles. Personalized mentorship and feedback enhance learning retention and application in professional settings.
  • Key Competencies Development. Participants develop evidence-based skills in suicide prevention and research, strengthening their academic and professional preparedness. Combining intensive learning, international interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on experiences, WP4 creates an opportunity for personal and professional growth, ensuring longterm capacity-building in suicidology. WP4 advances inclusivity and innovation in suicide prevention education, providing a lasting impact.

Main results

The European Summer School of Suicidology framework with the Alumni Network will advance suicide prevention education and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Engaging students, academic staff and student healthcare services in a hybrid learning environment will have a lasting impact.

  1. Enhanced Competency in Suicide Prevention: Participants will gain advanced knowledge and skills in prevention, intervention, and postvention. Expert-led lectures, workshops, and scenario-based training will improve their ability to apply evidence-based practices.
  2. Interdisciplinary Knowledge Exchange: Bringing together students, academic staff, researchers, and student healthcare workers, the program will promote a holistic approach.
  3. Hands-On Scenario-Based Training: Structured role-play e and case studies will improve problem-solving skills,
    preparing participants for real-world suicide prevention challenges.
  4. Stronger International and Cross-Sectoral Network: The program will build a global community of emerging experts.
    Networking sessions and research presentations will foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing across institutions.
  5. Lived Experience Integration: By co-developing sessions with individuals who have experienced suicidality, the summer
    school will ensure their perspectives shape training, leading to more compassionate prevention strategies.
  6. Research Engagement: Participants will present research plans, receive expert feedback, and refine their studies. The
    summer school will inspire innovation in research.
  7. Long-Term Capacity Building: Equipping attendees with essential skills will strengthen suicide prevention. Graduates will share their experiences within their networks and institutions.

By the end of the program, participants will have a deeper understanding of suicide prevention, a stronger professional
network, and practical tools to apply in their work, enhancing global suicide prevention through education, research, and
collaboration.

Work package No.5: Evaluation and Impact Assessment

WP5 ensures the ERE project meets its goals through a rigorous evaluation framework, measuring learning outcomes,
competency development, and long-term impact to improve suicide prevention education in higher education.

Key results include improved learning outcomes and competency development, assessed through pre- and post-training
evaluations to measure knowledge gain, attitude shifts, and skill acquisition. Evidence-based best practices for teaching will
be identified through a comparative analysis of hybrid learning, role-play, and case studies to determine the most effective
suicide prevention training methods.


The impact on higher education and inclusivity will be assessed by evaluating how the results of WPs ensure accessibility
for diverse students and professionals, mainly from underrepresented regions such as Ukraine. WP5 will measure the
effectiveness of higher education cooperation with Ukraine, generating strategies for long-term capacity-building and
collaboration between Ukrainian and European institutions.


Alignment with the labour market and workforce needs will be analyzed to determine how sound suicide prevention competencies prepare graduates for careers in clinical, academic, and policy sectors. To ensure sustainability and scalability, WP5 will provide recommendations for integrating suicidology training into university curricula beyond the project’s duration, adapting the Summer School model across different education systems, and publishing findings in highimpact, open-access journals to support global suicide prevention education.

By evaluating learning impact, refining teaching methods, and ensuring sustainability, WP5 will strengthen
higher education, research, and workforce readiness in suicide prevention. Its findings will guide institutional adoption,
policy development, and long-term implementation, ensuring a lasting global impact.