University highlights suicide prevention strategy at ministerial event

Two University of Wolverhampton representatives were invited to present a case study to a ministerial round-table discussion recently on the subject of suicide prevention. 

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Julia Clarke and Academic Lead for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Clare Dickens, took part in the event which was co-chaired by the Minister for Universities, Michelle Donelan and the Chair of Universities UUK, Professor Steve West. 

Other attendees included key personnel from the Higher Education sector dedicated to suicide prevention academically, strategically and personally through their survivorship. 

The University of Wolverhampton was selected to present a case study for intervention based on its commitment to rolling out its ‘Three Minutes to Save a Life’ training programme and workshops, dedicated to tackling the issues of suicide, self-harming and emotional resilience. 

The programme, pioneered by Clare, is designed provide to support members of the community who may experience suicidal thoughts. More than 800 staff and students – including security, caretaking and academics that have regular contact with students – have been trained to recognise early warning signs in at-risk students and how they can escalate concerns proportionately and compassionately. 

The strategy has moved along and students on nursing and other health courses at Wolverhampton now receive the training as part of their curriculum, to improve their confidence and clinical skills, as well as showing due regard to their own wellbeing whilst studying and beyond. 

The University’s 2030 Vision was also presented which aims to support the development of life skills, emotional resilience and wellbeing buoyancy within all programmes of study - offering a place where all students can flourish and grow.  

In 2018, UUK worked with Papyrus, the UK national charity dedicated to the prevention of young people’s suicides, to develop Suicide Safer Universities. Professor Hugh Brady, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Bristol, chaired the advisory group. 

The framework sets out a University-wide approach to suicide prevention, intervention and post-vention and urges university leaders to prioritise the issue. The University were proud to be a part of those early discussions and steers for the need of a sector wide set of guidance.  

Prof Julia Clarke said: “The framework we presented sets out a University-wide approach to suicide prevention, intervention and postvention and urges university leaders to prioritise the issue.  The University was really proud to be part of those early discussions and the way we have helped steer the need for a sector-wide set of guidance.” 

The round table event was an opportunity for members to hear from UUK about the uptake of the guidance and how it is being received - over 86% of providers who responded to its recent survey have a Suicide Safer Strategy in place, include their approach within another university strategy, or are now in the process of developing a strategy.