Suicide Attempts in University Halls of Residence
What happens following suicidal behaviour by a student living in one of our
halls of residence?
1. Each case is examined individually and a personalisedn individual care
plan?appropriate approach is agreed on that focuses on how best to assist the
Commented [GG1]: Try and get the word ‘care’ early
student’s recovery.
on.
2. Hall staff consult with mental health professionals, with the student themselves and,
where possible, with the students’ family, about what should happen next.
3. The student is encouraged to spend recovery time following a suicide attempt in a
supportive environment away from the hall. This is generally with family. This respite
break allows them to recover their emotional wellbeing and gives time for a longer
term wellness plan to be developed.
The period after a suicide attempt can be a high risk time for a more serious attempt.
In many cases, a hall environment is not an appropriate or safe place for a student
recovering from a suicide attempt. Professional advice is that it is best to change the
environment to reduce exposure to the triggers that precipitated the suicide event.
The period after a suicide attempt can be a high risk time for a more serious attempt.
It is not appropriate would be irresponsible to expect fellow residents or halls staff to
watch over students who have attempted suicide them or provide the care they need.
4. No student is ever evicted from our halls of residence due solely to their mental
health.
5. Support is provided to other residents and staff in the hall of residence, who may be
traumatised by suicidal or intentional self-harm behaviour.
6. Students are treated with care and compassion, even if ultimately a decision has to be
made that they are not happy with.
7. After a break, it would be very rare for a student not to be allowed back to the hall,
provided an acceptable wellness plan was developed and all concerned thought it was
realistic.
The process and principles outlined are followed in all cases involving suicide attempts in
our halls of residence.
Find out more about student counselling services provided at Victoria University of
Wellington here:
www.victoria.ac.nz/news/2018/09/student-counselling-at-victoria-university-of-wellington
www.victoria.ac.nz/students/support
