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What to do if a fellow student has shared suicidal thoughts

UCL is a caring environment, and we encourage students to look out for their friends and coursemates. Below is some information to help you support another student who is feeling suicidal.

Crisis support 

If someone is at immediate risk of harming themselves (for example, if they've made a plan and are worried that they may act on it soon), then this is a crisis and the person should go directly to the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department of the local hospital to get urgent help. Call 999 to request an ambulance if they are unable to go to hospital themselves.

UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services (including Counselling) are not able to provide any kind of emergency or crisis support. 

Find your nearest A&E department.

How you can help 

You can be there for your friend and help them stay connected and involved with study and activities. Feeling connected with others can reduce the risk of suicide.

Even if you are unsure of the seriousness of the situation, if a fellow student mentions that they're feeling suicidal, please encourage them to speak with a trusted family member and seek professional support link.

View an outline of key support services available to students within UCL.

View an outline of key support services available to students externally. 

 

We all can help save lives - suicide prevention training

The Suicide: Let's Talk online training course from Zero Suicide Alliance explains how to have a conversation about a suicide. Everyone can benefit from this awareness course, which takes about 20 minutes to complete.

Complete the training today. 

Student of Concern Form

We recommend that you contact UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services (SSWS) by completing a Student of Concern Form. Student Support and Wellbeing Services will reach out to the student and offer the support. We ordinarily rely on the student choosing to engage with support.

Find out more about the Student of Concern process and complete the form

Contact us

You can also get in touch with our team in one of the following ways to receive advice and guidance in confidence:

Look after yourself

It is important to remember that if you are concerned about a fellow student, you do not have to deal with this alone. Get others involved where you can and seek expert help if appropriate. You may find it helpful to seek professional advice to discuss how the issues have affected you - SSW will be able to help you.

Find out more about how to take care of yourself with our bank of mental health and wellbeing resources.