The recent review concerning student suicide in England has ignited conversations about the urgent need for universities to enhance their mental health support systems. Commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE), the review delves into the unfortunate patterns of suicides among students in higher education and emphasizes the necessity of proactive measures to avert such tragedies in the future. This call for action arrives in the wake of multiple reports citing alarming mental health statistics among students across various universities.
According to the review, which has taken nearly two years to compile, universities are being urged to conduct thorough assessments of the safety of student accommodations. The report highlights the importance of involving the families of students following tragic incidents of self-harm or suicide. Notably, these recommendations mark the first time any UK government has issued specific directives to university leaders in this regard, showcasing the serious nature of the issue.
Among the report’s significant findings is the recommendation against memorial acts, such as laying flowers at locations where suicides have occurred, as they may inadvertently designate these areas as “suicide hotspots.” Furthermore, the review analyzed a total of 169 suicide and serious self-harm cases from 73 universities, revealing that nearly a quarter of these incidents took place in university-managed accommodation. Alarmingly, the findings suggest that families were often excluded from the investigations into these tragic events.
The review emphasized the concept of “suicide clusters,” a phenomenon where an unusual number of suicides occur in a particular locale, which requires attention and timely intervention. It provided a comprehensive list of 19 recommendations for universities to implement promptly to improve the safety and wellbeing of their students. These recommendations included conducting safety checks in university halls, providing better academic support, and ensuring families are integrated into the incident review processes.
The report also highlighted the importance of improving mental health service access for students. Academic pressures and the general transition to university life can be overwhelming, and a significant number of students reported difficulties in accessing support. While some students, like Vika Zak from Nottingham Trent University, expressed satisfaction with the availability of support services, the overarching review emphasized that many still face barriers that hinder their ability to seek help proactively.
Student Sam Lloyd echoed this sentiment, noting the efficacy with which their university has communicated the availability of support mechanisms. However, the report indicated that across the sector, raising awareness of mental health resources remains a critical area for improvement. The document pointed out that resources should be better tailored to meet the needs of specific student groups, such as international students, who may face unique challenges.
Moreover, the review’s findings have resonated deeply with families affected by student suicides. For example, Bob and Maggie Abrahart, parents of Natasha Abrahart who took her life while studying at the University of Bristol, criticized the review as “superficial,” arguing that without a legally mandated duty of care, universities may not feel compelled to adhere strictly to its recommendations. They advocate for a more structured approach, which holds institutions legally accountable for their duty to safeguard the mental and emotional wellbeing of students.
Despite the urgency of the issue, universities are currently contending with financial pressures, with reports indicating that over 40% of institutions in England expect to face deficits. Prof. Sir Steve West, from the University of the West of England, emphasized the difficulty in prioritizing mental health initiatives amidst these financial strains, suggesting that thorough discussions need to address how to enforce consistent standards and accountability within the sector.
As the DfE prepares to engage with university leaders regarding the findings, the hope remains that these vital recommendations will pave the way for a more supportive and responsive education system that prioritizes student welfare, ultimately working to reduce the tragic prevalence of suicides among university students in England.