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.
In the European Union, production losses due to suicide exceed €9.07 billion, approximately 0.061% of the EU-28’s GDP. Each suicide can affect 60 to 135 people; thus, with around 47,346 suicides recorded in the EU in 2021, the ripple effects touch millions. Survivors often experience complicated grief, significantly impairing their psychosocial functioning and employability. Additionally, the stigma leads to marginalization and complicates help-seeking behaviors, creating a critical gap in necessary support. The ELLIPSE Postvention project was initiated to address the significant lack of accessible education and resources in postvention. This insufficiency profoundly impacts individuals and communities affected by suicide, resulting in intense emotional suffering and imposing a considerable economic burden. Through the ELLIPSE Postvention online course, handbook, and webinars, we aimed to empower people with lived experiences of suicide and their support networks by providing knowledge and coping skills to navigate their grief. By developing one of the first comprehensive e-learning courses in Europe, we sought to address the urgent need for accessible resources and skills for all those impacted by suicide and their helpers.