Press Release: Urgent Need for Change in University Mental Health Policies
In the wake of a national review on student suicides in England, the parents of a suicide victim are voicing concerns that the report has overlooked critical issues within university support systems. The review, commissioned by the Department for Education, highlighted families’ distressing encounters with university administrators and emphasized that universities must owe a "duty of candour" to the relatives of affected students.
Prof. Sir Louis Appleby, who led the inquiry, emphasized the review’s aim to enhance learning from tragic incidents in order to prevent future deaths. However, Robert Abrahart, father of Natasha Abrahart—a University of Bristol physics student who died in 2018—criticized the findings as being merely reiterative and failing to address the systemic accountability deficits within universities. "We need change," he asserts, emphasizing the necessity for a legal duty of care in higher education.
The review analyzed 79 suspected suicide cases and noted mental health issues in nearly half of these instances, alongside academic pressures affecting over a third. Dr. Cathryn Rodway from the University of Manchester recommended that mental health awareness and suicide prevention training be mandatory for staff interacting with students.
Debbie Laycock from Samaritans highlighted the importance of prioritizing students’ mental health alongside their academic responsibilities and urged for training focused on recognizing warning signs.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged families’ struggles for answers and promised collaboration with universities and experts to implement the review’s recommendations for lasting improvements.
With growing concern from bereaved families and mental health advocates, it is clear that critical reforms are needed in university policies to safeguard vulnerable students and prevent further tragedies.
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