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Mental Health & Suicide Awareness in a University Setting

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Presentation on theme: "Mental Health & Suicide Awareness in a University Setting"— Presentation transcript:

1 Mental Health & Suicide Awareness in a University Setting
Amanda Kracen Presented by Deirdre Flynn Trinity College Dublin

2 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)

3 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

4 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

5 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

6 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

7 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

8 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

9 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

10 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

11 Website


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