ELLIPSE Postvention

The primary objective of the ELLIPSE Postvention project was to bridge the gap between the needs of bereaved individuals following suicide and the lack of comprehensive e-learning course in postve...

The primary objective of the ELLIPSE Postvention project was to bridge the gap between the needs of bereaved individuals following suicide and the lack of comprehensive e-learning course in postvention. We aimed to destigmatize education in this critical area, as both suicide and its aftermath are often shrouded in stigma, evident in the insufficient funding for postvention programs. In Poland, no designated funds exist for postvention absent in the national suicide prevention program (2019-2025). Our goal was to emphasize the necessity and feasibility of postvention education while advocating for greater recognition of this overlooked field. Additionally, we sought to understand the unique needs of various affected individuals, including family members, healthcare professionals, educators, social workers, marginalized youth, and people with disabilities. By providing knowledge on coping with grief in diverse contexts, we hope to empower survivors to navigate their trauma and pursue post-traumatic growth. Our project also aimed to enhance inclusivity in adult education by creating learning opportunities for all, particularly for marginalized individuals, while addressing barriers to education and training.

We leveraged our experiences from the successful ELLIPSE project (2019-2022) to create high-quality educational resources grounded in scientific literature and the unique insights of SPES Blekinge project leaders and survivors of suicide loss. Our focus was on the practical aspects, ensuring that materials would be beneficial for all affected by suicide, including people with disabilities. We hosted webinars tailored to the needs of healthcare and social care professionals, addressing topics such as effectively reaching suicide loss survivors, providing early family postvention, and enhancing communication and validating survivors' feelings while minimizing the risk of re-traumatization. To engage younger audiences, particularly those who are marginalized, we utilized social media platforms. We developed a unique webinar and films on TikTok focusing on brief yet impactful content that addressed common myths and relationship issues and risk factors contributing to intergenerational trauma. Networking and effective communication were essential in developing a high-quality e-learning resources on the Navoica.pl platform, translated into English, Swedish, and Polish to ensure accessibility for a broader audience.

The ELLIPSE Postvention project generated results enhancing the field of postvention: 1. Webinar Series: Three webinars addressing various aspects of postvention provide valuable insights and practical strategies for professionals and survivors, enhancing understanding and support for those affected by suicide. 2. TikTok Video Series: Engaging films for TikTok raise understanding of the impact of loss and increase coping skills in the youth. This innovative approach allowed delivering information in a concise format. 3. Comprehensive E-Course: A comprehensive free e-learning course in English, Swedish, and Polish educates participants on postvention and grief coping skills, with a specific focus on inclusivity for marginalized groups and people with disabilities. 4. Handbooks: We added handbooks as supplementary materials for individuals who prefer reading over online learning, making essential knowledge and skills more accessible. All these resources aim to foster understanding, reduce stigma and provide essential support to those affected by suicide. By enhancing the accessibility and inclusiveness of adult education, we hope to increase the take-up of these critical learning opportunities across all generations and communities