The basic principle of the project was to build national prevention activities on reliable information of the current Finnish suicide situation. In collaboration with the mass media and by arranging local events, public awareness was raised. All suicides committed during one year in Finland were scrutinized by using a psychological autopsy method, combined with a normal and legal police investigation, and a routine medico-legal examination.

The key target groups of the programme were people with depression, substance use problems, in crisis situations, those in need of psychosocial support due to physical illnesses, and people who attempted suicide. The project focused mainly on actions that directly influenced the risk factors for suicidal behaviour. Alcohol was identified as a particularly relevant risk factor for suicide in Finland, and given priority in the suicide prevention strategy. Younger generations were the main targets of the programme. Mental health, depression and suicide awareness programmes were launched in the school system. The military, which evaluates all 18-year-old men as part of the national Finnish draft, received special instructions on the identification and referral of at-risk youths. Enhancing awareness and changing negative attitudes towards suicide were also in focus. The suicide preventive programme leaders trained the media on appropriate suicide reporting, so that suicides did not receive sensational coverage that might encourage copycat suicides.

A booklet “Suicide can be prevented” was distributed throughout the country to raise awareness among physicians, those working in health and social care, teachers, police officers, church leaders and other people, who all come in regular contact with potential individual at risk for suicide. The most important advice was to take early signs of self-destructive behaviour seriously, and to always consider the possibility of suicide among people with mental disorders. Health and welfare workers were also advised to pay close attention to the well-being of patients with chronic illness or disability, who may be depressed, but do not acknowledge it.