The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) is pleased to announce its role as an official partner for SNEHA Suicide Update 2026, hosted from 26th – 28th February 2026, with a pre-conference workshop held on 25th February 2026. This landmark event marks 40 years of SNEHA’s work supporting individuals in emotional distress and advancing suicide prevention across India.
Held at the Taj Coromandel, Chennai, the Sneha Suicide Update 2026 will convene a diverse and influential group of international and national experts in suicide prevention, mental health, psychiatry, psychology, neuroscience, public health, and policy. The conference features a rich programme of scientific sessions, cutting-edge research presentations, policy discussions, media and public health dialogues, and skills-based workshops.
IASP is honoured to partner with SNEHA, alongside the Indian Psychiatric Society, and the National Human Rights Commission for this significant event. Our collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening global and regional approaches to suicide prevention, fostering knowledge exchange, and supporting evidence informed practice.
As part of Suicide Update 2026, IASP will deliver a full-day Partnerships for Life (PfL) Global Initiative to Prevent Suicide workshop on 25th February 2026. This workshop is part of IASP’s global capacity-building efforts, supporting countries and regions to develop comprehensive, strategic, and sustainable approaches to suicide prevention.
The pre-conference workshop will provide a day of practical learning and peer exchange focused on:
- Gatekeeper training, equipping participants with skills to recognise risk, respond safely, and connect individuals to appropriate support.
- Evidence-informed approaches, with learning drawn from global best practice and current research on effective suicide prevention strategies.
- Collaborative problem-solving, encouraging participants to share local experience, strengthen networks, and identify actionable next steps for implementation.
- A dedicated panel on “Suicide and its prevention in Women & Girls,” highlighting gender-specific risk factors and opportunities for targeted interventions.
- Priority setting, exploring key issues affecting South Asia, including social determinants, gender specific factors, stigma, access to care, and culturally responsive interventions.
Designed to encourage peer learning, mentorship, and real-world application, the pre-conference workshop provides a rare space for cross-sector engagement and skill strengthening. For many participants, it will be an opportunity to shape local and national suicide prevention efforts in alignment with global evidence and IASP’s strategic priorities.
SNEHA Suicide Update 2026 offers an important opportunity for researchers, clinicians, crisis-line workers, policymakers, and community organisations to come together to explore emerging issues, strengthen collaborative networks, and build practical skills. The event underscores the value of sustained, community-based support and the importance of translating research into meaningful action.
IASP is proud to support SNEHA as it celebrates 40 years of service – a milestone that honours the organisation’s commitment to care, volunteer leadership, and evidence-driven suicide prevention.
Registration is now open, with abstract submissions for poster presentations accepted until 31 December 2025.
Register at: https://snehasuicideupdate2026.com/
