Every two years, long-term survivors of suicide loss gather at this unique event — the only conference of its kind — for a weekend of connection, understanding, and empowerment. Through workshops, expert-led discussions, and peer social activities, long-term suicide loss survivors learn ways to increase their support, connect with other long-term loss survivors, and find ways to further understand their loss as part of their life’s journey.
Registration
The next Long-Term Survivors of Suicide Loss Summit will take place summer of 2028. An announcement will be made when registration opens.
About the Loss Summit
Those who lost someone to suicide many years ago carry a unique perspective and have distinct support needs. Being around others who understand can be deeply comforting.
That’s why we created the Long-Term Survivors of Suicide Loss Summit, which is the only conference of its kind. It’s a weekend in which fellow long-term survivors of suicide loss can gather for connection and healing.
The Loss Summit is best suited for long-term suicide loss survivors who have found healthy ways to integrate that experience into their lives. While it can be challenging to define long-term loss survivors solely in terms of time since their loss, most attendees will be five or more years beyond the suicide death that impacted them.
Over the course of a weekend, participants will attend workshops, expert-led discussions, and social activities exploring how grief evolves over time. Those suicide loss survivors who have engaged in support groups, counseling, or other coping strategies will learn ways to increase their support, connect with other long-term loss survivors, and find ways to further understand their loss as a part of their life’s journey.
What to Expect
While the exact details of each Loss Summit may change year to year, the overall offerings and intended experiences remain the same. Below are some examples of what you can expect from events, activities, and topics explored.
Events and activities:
- Expert-led keynote address and plenary sessions
- Workshops led by suicide loss survivors and thought leaders
- Art studio with opportunities to explore and process loss through creation
- Group discussions, wellness activities, and connection opportunities
Examples of past session topics:
- Coping strategies for grief and loss
- Creating a personalized holistic wellness plan
- Healing through spirituality and faith
- Understanding how grief changes over time
- Culturally relevant strategies and innovative approaches to peer support
- Understanding grief experienced by men
Sponsorships
Learn more about available sponsorship levels and benefits for the Long-Term Survivors of Suicide Loss Summit.
View the Summit Sponsorship Guide (PDF)
Real Stories
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Together After Loss: Inside AFSP’s 2026 Long-Term Survivors of Suicide Loss Summit
Over 230 people gathered in Baltimore, Maryland, for AFSP’s Long-Term Survivors of Suicide Loss (LTSSL) Summit. From July 16–19, long-term survivors of suicide loss participated in a weekend of workshops, expert-led discussions, and activities that encourage connection, creativity, and wellness.
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Compassion, Clarity, and Connection: Providing Comfort and Support at the Long-Term Survivors of Suicide ...
“Compassion, clarity, and connection” are just three of the words that come to mind when reflecting on this year’s Long-Term Survivors of Suicide Loss Summit. This was AFSP’s third time presenting this unique conference designed for long-term suicide loss survivors.
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The Long-Term Journey of Healing from Suicide Loss
I joined the “survivor of suicide loss club” on November 10, 1988. I was a junior at the University of Maryland and my family lived in Cleveland. I got the phone call that would forever change my life. My brother, Brian, had taken his life at 23 years old.
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Living Our Story: AFSP's Long-Term Survivors of Suicide Loss Summit 2022
This is the only conference of its kind, geared for long-term loss survivors who have found healthy ways to integrate the experience of losing a loved one to suicide into their lives. The conference featured workshops, expert-led discussions and social activities exploring how grief evolves over time.
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Zak Williams Reflects on the Loss of His Father, Robin Williams
Zak Williams Reflects on the Loss of His Father, Robin Williams, and His Role in AFSP's Long-term Loss Summit