New approach to suicide prevention is needed in universities

In the last decade, more than 1,300 students in the UK have taken their own lives. Now researchers from the Universities of Surrey, Sussex, Westminster, Canterbury Christ Church University and Brighton and Sussex Medical School are calling on the Higher Education Sector to embrace a far more open and inclusive approach to suicide prevention. 

The team has already conducted a set of frank and productive conversations with students, university staff, bereaved families and people with lived experience of suicide, to understand what helps, what hinders and what steps can be taken to improve this situation at universities across the country. 

Among the findings: university systems can feel difficult to navigate in moments of crisis, staff want clearer training and guidance, students welcome direct conversations about suicide, and families often feel shut out when they could be part of the solution.  

Dr Cassie Hazell, who leads the project from the University of Surrey, said: 

“What we’ve heard, time and again, is that people want to help – but they need clearer guidance, better communication and the confidence to act. Students want honesty. Families want to feel included. Staff want protocols they can trust. This project is about naming the issues that exist and working together to build a system that is stronger, safer and more compassionate for everyone.” 

The long-term aim is to produce guidance and training on supporting suicidal students to complement existing Suicide Safer guidelines. This will help universities get clarity over their role and ensure that no one is left feeling alone when someone needs help. 

The team has also developed a set of visual resources, including infographics and a co-produced animation, which share insights from the project in a clear and accessible way. 

Dr Hazell added: 

"This foundational work is already helping shape the next phase of research, with plans underway for a larger national study to develop evidence-based guidance and training for the sector." 

The project has been funded by the Economic and Social Research Council’s Impact Acceleration Account and more information can be found here: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/research-projects/who-responsible-making-our-u…

--- 

Notes to editors 

The University of Surrey is committed to creating an environment that is compassionate and supportive by continually developing a strong sense of community, increasing access to services and reducing stigma of mental health and suicide. 

By committing to the University Mental Health Charter, we are taking a whole university approach to support wellbeing in our activities across our academic and student support services, whilst creating a campus which allows students to create connections. We are dedicated to continuing our support to those with the highest support needs whilst continuing to expand our engagement with students via workshops, campaigns such as Let’s Talk, education, training and events.