Werner-Felberber-Institut e.V.

The Werner-Felber-Institut e.V., based in Dresden, is a central institution in the field of suicide prevention research and work in Germany. Founded in 2018, the institute is named after the renowned psychiatrist and suicidologist Prof. Dr. med. Werner Felber, who has distinguished himself particularly through his research and commitment to suicide prevention.

The main mission of the Werner-Felber-Institut is to promote interdisciplinary research in healthcare with a focus on suicide prevention. The guiding principle "Every Life Counts!" reflects the institute's unwavering commitment to supporting people in suicidal crises and bringing the topic of suicidality out of the taboo zone. The institute pursues exclusively and directly charitable purposes and operates selflessly, without pursuing any economic interests.

• Research Projects: The institute conducts its own research projects and coordinates third-party projects to scientifically underpin suicide prevention. It operates a clinical suicide database and regularly publishes research results[4][5].

• Prevention Programs: The institute develops and implements various suicide prevention programs, including the HEYLiFE program, which targets adolescents, educators, and companies. These programs are scientifically evaluated and have demonstrated a positive impact on the target groups[3][5].

• Networking and Public Relations: The institute connects researchers, professionals, and other stakeholders in the field of suicide prevention and promotes knowledge transfer into practice through further education and training programs. It also engages in comprehensive public relations work to destigmatize and make the topic of suicidality visible[4][5].

• Workshops and Continuing Education: The institute offers workshops and continuing education programs aimed at various target groups, from educators to healthcare professionals to mourners and survivors. These programs cover topics such as dealing with suicidality in adolescents, mental health, and communication in crisis situations[3][5].

• S3 Guideline on Suicidality: The institute is involved in the development of an S3 guideline on suicidality in adulthood, which is to be completed by January 2026. This guideline aims to establish clear standards for dealing with suicidality and improve care and prevention in Germany[4].

• Chair in Suicidology: The chair of the institute, PD Dr. med. habil. Ute Lewitzka, holds the first chair in suicidology and suicide prevention in Germany, marking a milestone in suicide prevention. The goal is to systematically record suicide attempts and suicides and develop effective prevention strategies[4].

• Appreciation and Mental Health: The institute emphasizes the importance of recognition and appreciation in the social sector to promote the mental health and satisfaction of professionals. It also raises awareness of careful word choice in the context of suicidality to avoid stigmatization[5].

The institute currently faces the challenge that funding from the Free State of Saxony is running out and new funds are not secured. This threatens the continuation of important prevention programs and the employment of qualified staff. The institute therefore calls for support and donations to continue its important work[5].

The Werner-Felber-Institut e.V. is a central actor in suicide prevention and interdisciplinary research in healthcare, improving the well-being and safety of people in suicidal crises through its comprehensive activities and initiatives.

• 1 - https://www.unternehmensverzeichnis.org/werner-felber-institut-ev-dresden-2500144634478
• 2 - https://www.betterplace.org/de/projects/134902-suizidpraevention-jedes-leben-zaehlt
• 3 - https://www.suizidpraevention-sachsen.de/kontakt/
• 4 - https://www.felberinstitut.de
• 5 - https://www.felberinstitut.de/das-institut/