Lífsbrú - Centre for Suicide Prevention

-Automatic translation

The name Lífsbrú is a metaphor. It refers to the awareness of the importance of a constructive and healthy life, starting from infancy. The name Lífsbrú also offers a conceptual bridge to those with suicidal thoughts so that the persons concerned stop and envision a possible way out.

The logo uses timeless imagery. The semicolon means that a person's story is not over; there is always a continuation after a semicolon. The bridge is a symbol of a way out of difficulties. Together, the symbols create a strong and hopeful image. The yellow colour represents light and hope and is globally associated with suicide prevention, while the blue colour stands for trust and stability. The idea is for the sign to shine a light in the dark, offer support and show that we are all in this together.

The name and logo of Lífsbrú comes from Efli - Almannatengsl.

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The goal of Lífsbrú is to reduce the number of suicides in Iceland following the government's action plan. This will be done by choosing evidence-based methods that have proven successful in other countries. Also, developing and implementing procedures, educational materials, and guidelines to be used at all levels of prevention, as well as promoting awareness and lifelong learning.

The goals will be achieved through the broad cooperation of professionals, users, institutions, and associations and through fundraising for suicide prevention. For this purpose, a fund with the same name has been established.

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The action plan to reduce the number of suicides has six chapters, which include 54 actions. They focus on all levels of prevention and focus on the following aspects:

The prioritisation of projects is done in consultation and cooperation with the Directorate of Health's Council on Suicide Prevention and with the board of the Fund Lífsbrú, which provides funding. The projects are carried out by experts at the Directorate of Health or by other professionals chosen by the board.

Among the priority projects of Lífsbrú - Centre for Suicide Prevention are:

• Education and standardised procedures for assessing suicide risk.

• Coordinated procedures after a suicide attempt and after a suicide.

• Implementation of evidence-based content for the oldest grades of primary school.

• A study of the determinants of suicide in Iceland.

• Suicide prevention education for key stakeholders.

• Formulation of educational material for adult males.

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Annually, Lífsbrú awards an individual and a team for their outstanding contribution to suicide prevention in Iceland. The award is given to increase knowledge of the issue and promote the improvement of Icelanders' health and well-being.

The award was granted for the first time on 1 September 2024. The design of the Lífsbrú award document was made by Eflir - Almannatengsl.

Holders of the Lífsbrú Award

• 2024 - Wilhelm Norðfjörð in the category for individuals

• 2024 - The Pieta Association in the category for teams

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The board of Lífsbrú - Centre for Suicide Prevention:

• Alma D. Möller, Medical Director of Health

• Dóra Guðrún Guðmundsdóttir, head of public health at the Directorate of Health

• Guðrún Jóna Guðlaugsdóttir, Project manager in suicide prevention at the Directorate of Health

• Högni Óskarsson, psychiatrist and advisor to the Directorate of Health

-Automatic translation

Guðrún Jóna Guðlaugsdóttir, nurse and MPM, manages Lífsbrú's projects. She is an employee in the public health division at the Directorate of Health.

-Automatic translation

• Suicide prevention. Annual report 2024 (Icelandic)

• Suicide prevention.  Annual report 2023 (Icelandic)