The satellite centre will form part of the Cochrane Collaboration Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Review Group (CCDAN), and will be launched at the British Isles Workshop on Suicide and Self Harm in Oxford this week.  The new satellite will be led by Professor Keith Lloyd and Associate Professor Ann John of the College of Medicine.

The Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Group (CCDAN), which was set up in 1996, is responsible for preparing Cochrane reviews that cover a broad range of mental health issues including, mood disorders; anxiety disorders, somatoform disorders and eating disorders. CCDAN's scope also includes clinically significant problems such as deliberate self-harm and suicide attempt.

The new satellite group at Swansea University will be focussing on these key areas:-

• Identifying high-priority reviews in suicide and self harm prevention and interventions.
• Producing and distributing high-priority reviews relevant to the field
• Converting this knowledge into policy.
• Increasing the capacity to undertake reviews.

Professor Keith Lloyd, head of the College of Medicine said: “I am delighted the College of Medicine is hosting this satellite centre as part of the world famous Cochrane collaboration whose mission is to promote evidence-informed health decision-making.’

Sarah Stone, Executive Director for Samaritans Cymru said: “It is essential we all work together to better understand suicide and how best to reduce it. That is why I am so pleased that Swansea University is setting up this satellite centre. Samaritans values our partnerships with Welsh academic institutions and this new centre will contribute valuable research and better awareness around suicide prevention strategies.”

Pictured: Prof Keith Hawton  Dr Anne John & Prof Keith Lloyd at the launch of the satellite centre