If a situation is urgent, contact [internal accident and emergency (PSHE) 05 57 1 21 21] immediately. Do not try to manage the situation alone.
If in doubt, seek advice from a colleague or your institution’s student support team, or treat the situation as urgent. It is always better to err on the side of caution.
You are not expected to manage the situation alone. Refer the student to appropriate professional services and, if needed, seek support for yourself afterwards.
It is more important to listen and show genuine concern than to find the perfect words. A caring, non-judgemental response is always better than silence.
Respect their decision but leave them information about available support. Remain attentive in future interactions and follow up gently if appropriate.
Confidentiality is important, but if there is a risk to the student or to others, you may need to share relevant information with appropriate services. Let the student know this from the outset.
Yes. Asking directly does not increase the risk of suicide. It shows the student that you are taking their distress seriously and gives them permission to talk openly.
The same principles apply regardless of the setting. Acknowledge their message, show empathy, and direct them to appropriate support. If the student discloses it in an email, try to respond within 24 hours.
If the situation warrants it, a single brief follow-up can show the student that you care. However, this should not become a regular practice. Respect the student's boundaries and let them reach out to you if they wish.
If the situation warrants it, a single brief follow-up can show the student that you care. However, this should not become a regular practice. Respect the student's boundaries and let them reach out to you if they wish.
A medical certificate alone is not sufficient. Direct the student to the Disability Service, as only recommendations from that service are formally recognised by the institution.
This does not automatically mean the student must be exempted. Take time to discuss the situation with the student; acknowledge their difficulties and show that you take them seriously, while being transparent about course requirements. The goal is to find a reasonable adjustment that supports the student without compromising the essential learning outcomes.