SUICIDE IS NO SOLUTION (SINS)

SUICIDE REPORTING PARLEY -WORKPLAN

Background

SUICIDE IS NO SOLUTION (SINS) is an anti-suicide advocacy initiative with the key task of the significant reduction in the rate of deaths by suicide in Nigeria through a strong public enlightenment and advocacy campaign that persuade citizens from killing themselves.

This is borne out of the high figures and alarming rate of deaths by suicide in Nigeria which is the highest in West Africa, 5th in Africa and 15th in the world according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

To achieve this, we have a series of communication activities, interactive events and counselling support to suicide contemplators or survivals. We have also achieved some measure of success in persuading the media from publishing tools and agents of suicide as a way of supporting our campaign by not amplifying or highlighting pointers to in their suicide reports.

We have a team of Volunteers and Clinical psychologists; we run radio and tv programs, as well as Newspaper and Online news reports to persuade people from committing suicide. In addition, we have a help line which facilitates assistance on mental health especially suicide related issues.

THE BRIEF

As part of activities to mark 2021 World Suicide Day, SUICIDE IS NO SOLUTION (SINS) is planning a webinar for key sections of the media.

This is borne out of the fact that there is a strong need for further sensitisation of this core segment of crime reporters, judicial correspondents, bloggers, online publications, editors, opinion moulders,influencers and the social media space widely, on the social responsibility imperative of the fourth realm of the society.

Essentially, the media is given to sensationalism and sometimes reckless narratives on suicide incidents and stories. In addition, such stories pin point and celebrate suicide tools or agents. This is largely by the new media and the online versions of the traditional media which are currently reigning as “the media” owing to the democratisation of the media worldwide.

To this end, SINS is putting together a media conference/webinar on September 10th 2021 to commemorate the 2021World Suicide Day as an intervention to redirect the thinking and change the narrative in the media with a view to eliciting positive response and favourable disposition towards a more sensitive reporting of suicide cases in the media.

EVENT: SUICIDE REPORTING PARLEY/WEBINAR
THEME: SUICIDE REPORTING: THE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IMPERATIVE
DATE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH 2021
MODE: VIRTUAL
VENUE: ONLINE
DURATION: 6:00Pm – 8:00pm

OBJECTIVES

Engage the Nigerian Media on Suicide Reporting with a view to creating attention and awareness on the subject matter.
Advert the attention of the Nigerian Media to the need for responsible reporting
Collaborate with media groups and associations to the benefit of the quantity of participants at the webinar.
Partner initiatives and non profit organisations with like objectives and ideals on anti -suicide campaign
Elicit further engagement and “partnership” of the media on the SINS initiative.

WORKPLAN – WEBINAR
Number of Expected Participants is (70)
Zoom link to be configured
Faculty will include Seasoned Journalists, Mental Health Practitioners, SINS Rep, Other Anti – Suicide initiative Representatives.

COLLABORATING PARTNERS

SUICIDE IS NO SOLUTION
ASIDO FOUNDATION
LAGOS ONLINE PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION
CRIME REPORTERS ASSOCIATION
THE TALL & WIDE COMPANY LIMITED
STRYCAZ CONSULTING LIMITED
LIFE RADIO 107.5FM IBADAN
SPIRIT OF NIGERIA RADIO
JORDAN FM

DRAFT EVENT OUTLINE

Welcome & Acknowledgement
Introduction of Key dramatis personnae
Objectives of the webinar and participation rules
Movie Presentation
Speakers’ Presentations
Open Floor
Conclusions

CONCLUSION

Let’s Do It Together

Toye ARULOGUN
August 22 2021