Mental Health & Suicide Awareness in a University Setting Amanda Kracen Presented by Deirdre Flynn Trinity College Dublin
Project Context Head of SCS interested in developing ‘best practice’ guidelines Contacted Teresa Mason, NAHB Consultation in College with key stakeholders Submitted joint proposal for funding … planning Concept of health promoting setting Government’s report of the National Task Force (1998)
Project Design Based in the Student Counselling Service Project worker for 2.5 days/week Managed by NAHB & TCD Steering group of 15 people Timetable of expected activities Action research methods
Aims and Objectives Examine services & activities in college Develop, deliver & evaluate training module Identify best practice for service provision Make recommendations to develop positive mental health promotion/suicide prevention strategy Document findings & share materials
Content of Workshop Positive mental health & vulnerabilities Suicide in Ireland Role of staff & duty of care Prevention – protective & risk factors Intervention – warning signs, what to say, support services, referral skills, confidentiality & concerned others Postvention – why, protocol, self-care
Expected Findings Change of attitude, stigma reduction is needed Variety of good resources & practices nationwide Staff are emphatic & have desire to help Recognition of staff teamwork Students unaware of support services Concern for vulnerable groups Substance misuse is major problem Barriers: time, funding & management
Unexpected findings Large variety in scale of preparation & resources Extensive amount of time & personal investment of staff ‘caring’ for students in crisis Staff concerned with lack of training, professional support, knowledge of support services, & college policy & procedures Students unaware of support services & circumstances Organisational gaps identified within pilot institution
Project recommendations Develop institutional strategy for mental health promotion Encourage partnership with community agencies Implement relevant policy & protocols Formalise student death policy/postvention plans Offer on-going mental health & suicide awareness training for staff
Project recommendations Design student health promotion campaigns to: reduce stigma, increase awareness of support services & encourage health behaviour Develop initiatives for supporting vulnerable student groups Address issue of substance misuse Evaluate all activities for effectiveness
Project Publication Time consuming & resource intensive Report & website launched in January by CEO of NAHB & Provost of TCD Sensationalistic press coverage Posted out more than 800 manuals More than 600 hits on website Feedback has been very positive
Website www.tcd.ie/student_counselling/