Tuesday 24-05-2022 - 12:23

The verdict of the Natasha Abrahart case which was released on Friday has once again put a spotlight on mental health support at the University of Bristol. Every student death has an impact on the University of Bristol community and our thoughts are with Natasha’s friends and family, and those who have been particularly affected. We hope that following this the University will continue to work with us to reflect on its provision of student support. 

Mental Health and Wellbeing has consistently been an SU officer team priority for the last few years and this year is no different. Sadly, universities continue to face a mental health crisis, so it is vital that, across the sector, and at the University of Bristol, we continue to improve our provision and support for students. Whilst things have changed at the University in the last few years, we need to learn, improve and stand firm that there is always more that we could be doing to prevent student deaths by suicide.  

For the duration of our time in office we will be continuing to fight for more support for students and building a culture of accountability for work that is being done in relation to the University’s Mental Health Strategy and Action Plan. As an SU we need to hear about students’ real-life experiences and will be prioritising developing work in this area so we can hear your voice.  

We need to work together as a whole institution to make sure that the systems we have in place are working to support students. We need to be having more open conversations about student mental health and about suicide prevention, continuing to build on work which has happened this year as part of our Dare to Care campaign. It’s not going to be easy, but there have already been improvements in this space and together we can do more. 

If you are concerned about your own or a friend’s mental health and wellbeing then please reach out and start a conversation about it. The University have a range of services you can access and will work with you to find the one right for you. You can reach out for support from the University by filling in a Wellbeing Access form.  

 

Further Support:

If you or someone you know has been affected by the subject matter of this statement, you can access support from the following places:

Contact Samaritans on 116 123 at any time. You can contact Anxiety UK on 03444 775 774, Mind on 0300 123 3393, and Calm (Campaign against living miserably, for men aged 15 to 35) on 0800 58 58 58. 

A list of wellbeing services available to Bristol students can be found here.