Rosemary Vaux -
tel: 020 8943 5343 mobile: 07792 72 62 41
email: rvaux@ravenstonepr.co.uk
Student Suicide Prevention Seminar
7 May 2008
Every year in the UK between 600 and 800 young people between the age of 15 and 24 take their own lives. Some of them are students - a concern to everyone engaged in universities and further education. On 5th June PAPYRUS, the national charity dedicated to prevention of young suicide is holding a one-day student suicide prevention training seminar at the National Science Learning Centre at the University of York, Heslington, York.
The programme promises an insight into some of the predisposing factors and possible signs of suicidal behaviour, information on good practice and guidance on how the charity’s resources can be used to support staff and students.
Speakers include Dr Martin Anderson, associate professor in mental health, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham who will present the national suicide prevention perspective and Steve Page, manager, student support services, University of York on duty of care and aftercare. Sharon Mallon, RaPSS researcher will present Responses and Prevention in Student Suicide - the RaPSS study, commissioned by PAPYRUS with the support of The Big Lottery.
The RaPSS study confirmed the need for a training resource that would help university and college staff understand what part they can play in preventing suicide and how to support friends and family of a student who has taken their own life.
The PAPYRUS Suicide Prevention Guide for Universities and Colleges responds to needs highlighted in the study. It includes a training DVD for academic and pastoral staff with dramatised ‘case study’ scenarios and an accompanying booklet designed to encourage a greater understanding of student suicide - why does it happen?, risk factors, possible warning signs, what to say and do and importantly, sources of help. There is also an awareness card for ancillary staff such as porters and cleaners; an information leaflet for students worried about a friend; a ‘not coping? … start talking’ help leaflet for a young person who may be feeling suicidal and small wallet contact cards with the number of HOPELineUK 08000 68 41 41, the PAPYRUS helpline.
The seminar cost per delegate is £135 (student concession price £35), which includes refreshments, buffet lunch and a free copy of the resource pack (value £35). For more information please contact PAPYRUS telephone 01282 432 555 or email admin@papyrus-uk.org
Notes to Editors
The RaPSS study made an in-depth analysis of 20 case studies of student suicide which occurred between May 2000 and June 2005. Information about each student who died was taken from a range of sources, including interviews with family members, students’ friends, academic and/or student support staff and from Coroners’ records or those of the Procurators Fiscal. HEIs throughout the UK were invited to participate in this part of the research. A third of those HEIs with relevant cases contributed to the study.
PAPYRUS is a national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide, raising awareness that suicide is not necessarily the ultimate result of feeling suicidal. Founded in 1997 by a group of parents who had lost a son or daughter to suicide, it aims to support families, friends, carers and anyone else who works with young people in a professional capacity. Its helpline HOPELineUK 0870 170 4000 is staffed by trained mental health professionals who give practice help and advice to anyone concerned that a young person they know may be feeling suicidal. It also takes calls from suicidal young people.
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