Higher education leaders gather at Westminster to mark the publication of new book on student suicide

The book gives timely and practical guidance to universities and further and higher education colleges on the development of evidence-based response plans, informed by experts from across the wide range of fields that are pertinent to the complex and challenging issue of student suicide. It is also the first book that specifically deals with student suicide in further education colleges and universities, encouraging a holistic institutional response.

The event was chaired by Dr Diana Beech, CEO of London Higher who authored a chapter in the book, and included a panel of experts featuring Dr Peter Bonfield OBE, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Westminster; Rosie Tressler OBE, CEO of Student Minds; and Professor David Mosse of SOAS University of London.

Throughout the event, discussions focused on how universities can use the insights contained in the book to attend to the various strands of a comprehensive suicide safer policy.

Speaking about the event Dr Peter Bonfield OBE, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Westminster and Vice-Chair of London Higher and Executive Chair of the London Higher Mental Health and Wellbeing network, said: “The health and wellbeing of our University of Westminster community is our priority, which is why we are very proud to host this event today. I hope that the perspectives shared today will support all those who work and study in our own and other universities.”

Sally Olohan MBE, University of Westminster’s Head of Student Support and Residential Life co-authored a chapter with Diana Beech and James Murray, whose son Ben took his own life in 2018, while studying at the University of Bristol. Sally explained:  “Our jointly authored chapter sets out the how real life stories of suicide in universities can be used to inform a culture of compassion and empower universities to act safely and instinctively to protect students.

"At London Higher, our Mental Health and Wellbeing network meet regularly to discuss this important issue, and participating members utilise our Wellbeing Connect tool, which links students to mental health services wherever they live. I hope that today’s event has contributed to the development of best practice in this important area.”

Dr Diana Beech, CEO of London Higher, added: “Government policy is increasingly placing the mental health and wellbeing of students at the top of the higher education agenda. As I explain in my own chapter, over recent years, particular strategic emphasis has been placed on suicide prevention and response."

To find out more or to purchase the ‘Preventing and Responding to Student Suicide’ book, visit the Jessica Kingsley Publishers website.