Media Reporting of Suicide
Essential skills and knowledge for media & communications professionals.
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Nov 20
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Nov 21
Description
A free session with Mark Wilson from the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.
Mark spent more than a decade working as a radio producer on a news and current affairs show, and, before that, in corporate PR.Now, he works on the Suicide Media Response Service at the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, where he supports those working in media and communications to tell stories about suicide safely.
He has a lived experience of suicide and for the past 15 years has facilitated a bereavement support group in Auckland called Solace. Mark is a member of the International Association of Suicide Prevention’s Media Special Interest Group, and contributed to the 2023 WHO Suicide Media Guidelines. He regularly presents to journalism training institutes throughout NZ.
Mark will be in Wānaka and Queenstown to deliver two presentations, which will cover:
- How we can report on suicide in ways which minimise further harms,and upholds the mana and dignity of impacted people.
- How editorial choices can shape social attitudes to, and perceptions of, suicide.
- The powerful ways in which media stories can instil hope, foster help-seeking, and help people experiencing suicidal crises.
Mark will also provide an opportunity for attendees to ask questions about writing and reporting on suicide, mental illness, and mental health.
RSVPs and enquiries to Louise Deacon, WellSouth, louise.deacon@wellsouth.org.nz, 021 401 740
