Suicidal behaviour

The following steps are taken in response to suicidal behaviour by a student living in one of our halls of residence.

In an emergency

In an emergency, phone 111, and if you're on campus call 0800 842 8888.

For 24/7 urgent mental health support, call the Mental Health, Addiction and Intellectual Disability Service (MHAIDS) on 0800 745 477.

Hall staff consult with mental health professionals, with the student themselves and, where possible, with the student’s family, about what should happen next.
Each student's circumstances are examined individually, and a personalised care plan is agreed, focusing on how best to assist the student’s recovery.
Our hall staff work directly with the student's care team when deciding the best course of action for the student. The student's wishes are listened to and considered, as are the impacts on the wider hall community. There may be instances when the University decides a course of action that differs from what the student hoped for. These decisions are always made thoughtfully, with everyone's best interests in mind.
Support is provided to other residents and staff in the hall of residence, who may be affected by suicidal behaviour or non-suicidal self-harm.

The period after a suicide attempt is an important time for healing and recovery. In many cases, a hall environment is not the most appropriate or safest space right away. Professional advice recommends a change in environment from where the suicidal behaviour occurs as being beneficial to wellbeing.
Following a period of acute distress, a student is encouraged to spend recovery time in a supportive environment away from the hall. This is generally with family and/or non-peer supports. This respite break allows them to recover their emotional wellbeing and gives time for a longer-term wellness plan to be developed.
It is not appropriate for fellow residents or hall staff to watch over students who have attempted suicide or to provide the care the recovering student needs.
No student is ever ‘evicted’ from, or asked to permanently leave, our halls of residence due solely to their mental health.
After a break from the hall, it would be very rare for a student not to be allowed back to the hall, provided an acceptable wellbeing plan was developed and all concerned thought it was realistic.

The process and principles outlined above are followed in all cases involving suicide attempts in our halls of residence.

If you're experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts, or need support in some other way, help is available:

The Mental Health Foundation’s website has information and advice for what to expect and how to cope after a suicide attempt.