Researchers Urge Reformed Suicide Prevention Approach

Published on: 5 Aug, 2025
Updated on: 7 Aug, 2025

By Esme Campbell

A new project aims for an open and inclusive approach to suicide prevention in universities, as researchers call for new, shared strategies to support students.

The project team, comprised of researchers from the Universities of Surrey, Sussex, Westminster, Canterbury Christ Church University and Brighton and Sussex Medical School, are working on collaborative methods of suicide prevention, bringing together students, staff, families and wider communities to understand what helps, what hinders, and what improvements can be made.

Conducting conversations with these groups, the team have found that university systems can feel tricky to navigate in moments of crisis, clearer training and guidance would benefit staff, students welcome conversations about suicide, and families feel shut out from being part of the solution.

In the UK, more than 1,300 students have taken their lives in the last decade.

Dr Cassie Hazell, leading the project from the University of Surrey, said: “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.

“Students want honesty. Families want to feel included. Staff want protocols they can trust.

“This project is about naming the issues that exist and working together to build a system that is stronger, safer and more compassionate for everyone.”

The long-term goal is to provide guidance and training on supporting suicidal students, which will complement existing Suicide Safer guidelines.