ABSW partners on ‘Mental Health in Journalism Summit’

The Association of British Science Writers has joined the ‘Mental Health in Journalism Summit’ as an outreach partner, along with other organisations like the European Journalism Center (EJC), International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), and International Journalists’ Network (IJNet).

The ‘Mental Health in Journalism Summit’ will be held online, for free, on 8, 9 and 10 October 2024, coinciding with World Mental Health Day (October 10). The Summit is designed for managers, editors, reporters, freelancers, and anyone working in the media industry, as well as those in academic institutions, journalism unions, and associations. It will feature sessions in English and Spanish.

A call for proposals was launched and will be open until Wednesday, June 19, at 23:59 (PST). There will be an online info session about the call for proposals on Wednesday, June 12 at 15:00 (CET) on Zoom.

The summit is organised by The Self-Investigation, a nonprofit organisation that operates globally to catalyse a healthy work culture in the media industry, and it is co-funded by The Fred Foundation, which supports social initiatives dedicated to living life in harmony.

The organisers hope that the summit will be an inspiring arena to reflect on journalists' profession, share good practices for mental health, and nurture a global movement that prioritises a healthy work culture in the media sector. 

The ABSW aims to increase support for the mental health of science journalists, writers, and communicators. This topic has often been raised at ABSW events, such as the UK Conference of Science Journalists 2020 or the Science Journalism Summer School 2023.