SJOG’s ‘Here to Help’ Wins Best Poster Prize at International Suicide Prevention Research Forum

We are thrilled to announce that SJOG’s Here to Help project has been officially recognised on a national and international stage at a prestigious research forum in Glasgow.

Last week, Here to Help Manager Meryem attended the 10th Suicide & Self-harm Early & Mid-Career Researchers’ Forum (EMCRF10). This major event brought together delegates from 17 countries, all united by a shared commitment to saving lives, exchanging vital knowledge, and sharing practice-led experience in suicide prevention.

Award-Winning Co-Design in Mental Health

During the conference, Meryem presented a research poster titled ‘Co-designing an Accessible Suicide Prevention Digital Platform for Autistic Adults’, which showcases the core methodology and impact of the Here to Help project.

The presentation resonated strongly with global delegates, and we are incredibly proud to share that the poster was awarded the Best Poster Presentation Prize. This accolade recognises the sheer strength, innovation, and clinical relevance of the project’s digital accessibility strategy.

Putting Autistic Voices at the Heart of Development

The award highlights the vital importance of inclusive design when building mental health support tools for neurodivergent individuals. Speaking about the achievement, Meryem said:

“Our poster highlighted how we support autistic adults who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or other difficulties, and how the Here to Help platform was developed through co-design with autistic people. Their insights and feedback shaped the platform from the beginning. For me, this is one of the most important parts of the project. When autistic people are placed at the heart of the work, the outcome is stronger, more relevant, and more meaningful.”

This recognition highlights SJOG’s ongoing commitment to developing neuroinclusive risk factor frameworks and overcoming traditional communication barriers in healthcare. Huge congratulations to Meryem and everyone involved in making this achievement possible.

Discover More About Here to Help

The Here to Help platform continues to expand its reach, delivering vital peer workshops and individual support sessions to ensure no one has to face crisis alone.