Suicide-Safer University

If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts, or you're concerned about another student, we're here to help. You don't have to go through this alone.

We aim to provide a safe environment for all students and staff and we're committed to minimising suicide and its impact.

Suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility, and we can all support someone who is at risk of suicide to stay safe.

We offer a range of support services for students struggling with suicidal ideation.

Understanding suicide: training

Factors such as social, psychological and cultural stress can lead someone to experience suicidal thoughts. Some people living with mental health conditions might also struggle with this.

A person might attempt suicide after a long period of these thoughts. For others, it might be an impulsive decision.

Suicide is never the answer.

ONS stats show that sadly, suicide within the student population is increasing. Factors relating to the university experience can increase the risk of suicide, including:

• a period of transition
• alcohol
• substance misuse
• financial pressures
• academic and social expectations
• underlying disabilities or medical issues

Bereavement or experience of suicide can also pose a greater risk of suicidal thoughts. This is known as ‘contagion’, and could include exposure to press coverage of suicide and social media, which is especially relevant to the student population. The Zero Suicide Alliance estimates that each individual death from suicide can affect at least 20 other people.

Deliberate self-injury behaviour has also increased among young people over the last 15 years. Although some people who self-injure are at a high risk of suicide, many people who self-injure don't want to end their lives.

Understanding the risks of suicide and what do to if you're concerned you or someone else is at risk is vitally important. The below training can support with this.

Step Up

Step Up training from the Zero Suicide Alliance gives an introduction on how to support someone feeling lonely and isolated. It only takes 5-10 minutes to complete.

Gateway training

This Gateway training video offers an introduction to suicide awareness. In just 10 minutes, you'll learn skills to help someone considering suicide.

Let’s Talk

Let’s Talk is a 20-minute expanded version of Gateway. It focuses on reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations and will give you the skills and confidence to help someone who may be considering suicide.

 

Remember, all training can be challenging, especially if you're a suicide survivor or have been bereaved by suicide. It may be helpful to have someone you can talk to while you complete the training.

We offer 24/7 support to students with our free TalkCampus app.

We give staff 24/7 support via our Employee Assistance Service hotline: 0800 030 5182.

Further training and information

Mental Health Awareness: Training for Staff

Mental Health Awareness: Training for Students

Internal Prevent Training

Charlie Waller Memorial Trust Supporting Students (Higher Education)

Staff resources

These 20-minute e-learning sessions are for all university staff. They'll give you the confidence to support students with their mental health.

The sessions for those staff who don't hold specialist roles in mental health at the university, such as counsellors and mental health advisers etc. They're aimed at all other staff who offer day-to-day support to students in a range of settings, such as:

• in residences
• cafes
• security staff
• careers
• libraries
• academic pastoral support

Resource links

Suicide bereavement postvention resources for those bereaved or affected by suicide >

Suicide bereavement educational materials for those bereaved or affected by suicide >

Personal Tutor Training

Responding to Distressed Students Guide

If U Care Share

Samaritans