Talking about suicide: A guide for college and university staff
Trigger warning: these pages include content discussing suicidal feelings and self-harm
Action plan 4 – follow-up support
It is important that the university supports students who’ve been identified as being at risk of suicide, and that they have a follow-up plan.
- Once the student returns to university or their accommodation, don’t ignore what happened – ask the student how they are.
- Ask the student who they want to know about the situation but don’t tell anyone who doesn’t need to know.
- Involve the learning inclusion team or student support who can work with the student to put a personal support plan in place. This is developed in full collaboration with the student to make sure that it meets their needs.
Related articles
How is suicide different from self-injury or self-harm?
Suicidal feelings – when should you be worried about a student?
What makes suicide more, or less, likely?
What to do if you are worried about a student
When a student confirms they are at risk of suicide
What to do if a suicide takes place
Being confident to talk about suicide
Download or order a copy of the booklet Talking about suicide:
What to do in the unfortunate event of a suicide
If a suicide or suspected suicide occurs within the university community, it can be an extremely distressing and confusing time for staff and students alike. It helps to have a plan that can be acted on straight away.
What to do if a suicide takes place
Giving everyone the confidence to talk about suicide
To reduce the stigma of mental health issues colleges and universities should have a policy where talking about mental health is everyone’s responsibility and helping to protect a student who is suicidal is part of that.
Resources and sources of support
CAMPAIGN AGAINST LIVING MISERABLY (CALM)
Support, information and signposting anywhere in the UK via webchat or phone.
Call: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-midnight, 365 days a year)
Online: thecalmzone.net
PAPYRUS
Papyrus is the national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide.
For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINEUK, 9am-midnight, every day.
Call: 0800 068 4141
Text: 07860 039967
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Samaritans offers listening and support to people and communities in times of need.
Available to listen 24 hours a day, 365 days a yearCall: 116 123 (free line)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Online: samaritans.org
24/7 text service, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere
Text: SHOUT to 85258
This content has been adapted from “Talking about suicide: A guide for college staff" originally developed as a partnership between the Association of Colleges and the Charlie Waller Trust and has been endorsed by Universities UK and Papyrus. It was written by members of the Charlie Waller team who are experts in the field – Dr Andrew Reeves, Kirsten Amis, Kath Caffrey – and reviewed by Prof. Keith Hawton at the Centre for Suicide Research.
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The Charlie Waller Trust
The Charlie Waller Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales 1109984. A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales 5447902. Registered address: The Charlie Waller Trust, First Floor, 23 Kingfisher Court, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5SJ.
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