University of Surrey leads call for open, inclusive suicide prevention as UK student suicide rates exceed 1,300 in a decade.
University of Surrey Leads Push for Rethinking Suicide Prevention
After alarming statistics, experts call for a more inclusive, honest approach to mental health support in higher education.
Rising Concern Sparks National Call
The University of Surrey is urging a complete overhaul of suicide prevention strategies in UK universities after new figures revealed over 1,300 student suicides in the last ten years. These figures, released earlier this year, have prompted researchers to demand a more open and inclusive model that better reflects the needs of students, staff, and families.
Collaborative Voices for Change
A multi-university research team—comprising the Universities of Surrey, Sussex, Westminster, Canterbury Christ Church, and the Brighton and Sussex Medical School—is leading this initiative. The team, spearheaded by Dr Cassie Hazell, has held in-depth conversations with students, bereaved families, and university staff to understand what’s working and where the system falls short.
Barriers in the Current System
Findings from these discussions suggest that university support systems can be hard to navigate during moments of crisis. Staff often lack clear guidance, families feel excluded from critical moments, and students crave honest conversations about suicide and mental health.
Dr Hazell noted, “What we’ve heard, time and again, is that people want to help—but they need clearer guidance, better communication, and the confidence to act.”
Mental Health Crisis on Campus
The mental health challenges facing students are escalating. Research presented to the UK House of Commons in April shows that self-reported mental health conditions among university students have nearly quintupled over the past decade. A 2022 survey by Student Minds revealed that 57% of students had experienced a mental health issue, and more than 25% had a formal diagnosis.
These issues can lead to serious consequences—ranging from academic struggles and dropping out to self-harm and suicide, according to a House of Commons Library report.
Voices with Lived Experience
Former student Sam Lyon, who struggled with serious mental health challenges during university, supports the call for reform. Now a speaker and advocate, he highlights the importance of sustained support—not just during crisis moments.
“Students often just want someone to say ‘here is what is going on, and here is how you can get through it,’” said Lyon. “When staff feel confident in how to respond to mental health concerns, students are more likely to reach out.”
A Blueprint for Change
The research team has already developed visual resources, including infographics and animations, to simplify mental health messaging. The long-term goal is to create evidence-based training and guidelines for university staff that align with existing Suicide Safer frameworks, ensuring no student feels alone when support is needed most.
As the team prepares for a larger national study, the University of Surrey remains committed to building a safer, more compassionate system—one where every student feels seen, heard, and supported.
