Positive Reporting
Positive reporting isn’t about putting ‘a spin’ on mental ill-health, but it is about reporting the facts in a way which is accurate and fair, while avoiding the use of stigmatising and inaccurate language. There are many guidelines to help you get it right.
NUJ guidelines – written by journalists for journalists, this booklet sets out the case for positive reporting of mental health and suicide. It sets out some suggestions for how to use terminology and contact details for organisations who can give you more information
Press Complaints Commission Code of Practice: this code is updated regularly and accuracy is all important, and so we have provided a link to the code on the PCC’s website. Also on the website you will find examples of recent adjudications.
Media Guidelines – written primarily for media activists and adapted for Scottish readers.
Media Guidelines on reporting suicide, by the Samaritans (download pdf)