Oxford Authority Leads Student Suicide Seminar

Main Category: Psychology / Psychiatry
Also Included In: Mental Health;  Depression
Article Date: 18 Jan 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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Professor Mark Williams from the Centre for Suicide Research, University of Oxford, is the keynote speaker at a one-day student suicide prevention seminar being organised by PAPYRUS, the national charity dedicated to prevention of young suicide. It takes place on Thursday 19 February at The Oxford Centre, 333 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7PL.

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. If student welfare, counselling or support is your responsibility this seminar is a 'must'. It follows highly acclaimed events in Lancashire, Yorkshire and Avon.

A worldwide authority on suicide, Professor Williams heads a seminar programme that will provide 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.

Amanda Leon, head of student services at Bath Spa University, will speak 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.

Each delegate will receive a free copy of the PAPYRUS Suicide Prevention Guide for Universities and Colleges that 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 business cards with the number of HOPELineUK 08000 68 41 41 - the PAPYRUS helpline.

For more information please contact PAPYRUS telephone 01282 432 555, email admin@papyrus-uk.org or visit http://www.papyrus-uk.org to download a booking form.

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 08000 68 41 41 is staffed by trained mental health professionals who give practical help and advice to anyone concerned that a young person they know may be feeling suicidal. It also takes calls from suicidal young people.

PAPYRUS

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