In collaboration with the Flemish government, VLESP coordinates the Flemish Suicide Prevention Action Plan. The health objective for suicide prevention is to reduce the number of suicides by 10% in 2030 (compared to the reference year 2020).  

To this end, VLESP shares its evidence-based and practice-based knowledge and experience with other professionals serving people at risk for suicide by stimulating training of gatekeepers and professionals, developing new preventive actions and networking.

VLESP aims to be a trustworthy, scientific partner for  reliable information and intends to use all available and appropriate communication to achieve this.

VLESP wants to achieve its mission within the framework of the USI prevention model, with universal, selective and indicated prevention strategies and which, as such, contains strategies for the public at large, for risk groups, as well as for people with suicidal thoughts and/or behaviour.

Objectives:

• Provide a scientific base for suicide prevention and postvention in Flanders.
• Provide the government, relevant organisations and the public at large with information, documentation and advice regarding suicide prevention, postvention and mental health promotion.
• Develop evidence-based methods and materials for suicide prevention, postvention and mental health promotion or support its development in a scientific and methodological manner.
• Support the implementation of methods and materials for suicide prevention, postvention and mental health promotion, including training of professionals and gatekeepers.
• Coordination of the Flemish Suicide Prevention Action Plan.