Universities are being urged to introduce proactive measures to help prevent student suicides. This includes making it mandatory for students to name a trusted contact, who can be contacted without their permission in emergency situations, when they register at university.
The new guidance has been issued by Universities UK (UUK) in partnership with the Papyrus suicide prevention charity. It is the first time a consistent practice has been proposed for the sector.
UUK, which represents 140 universities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, said the recommendations place the student at the centre of decisions about their safety and care. Students should be asked when registering at university if their trusted contacts, such as parents, can be contacted without their agreement in situations where there are serious concerns about their safety or mental health.
