Skip to main content

Coping with an attempted or suspected suicide in our community

If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings around an attempted or suspected suicide, support is available.

Help to navigate a traumatic time

There is a range of wellbeing support for those affected by bereavement, and difficult feelings following an attempted or suspected suicide, recently or in the past.

An attempted or suspected suicide can be traumatic and distressing, whether or not you knew the person. Everyone acts or reacts in their own way and it’s important to know that there is no right or wrong way of feeling and all our feelings are valid.

Talking with other students and staff about suicide is important at this time; it can help everyone cope with the trauma and grief. Talking to others and listening to their concerns can help highlight others who are having difficulty coping.

You may not know exactly what to say or do – most people don’t. You don’t need to have ready answers or solutions. Being there for others and listening to them is often enough. If you are struggling, it's important to ask for help when you need it, and we have many ways of accessing support.

Support at the University

Emergency and urgent help is available 24 hours a day, every day.

Students

If you are worried about yourself, another student or a member of staff, you can speak to the Wellbeing Service and the Students' Union Advice team. You can also speak to our Security staff. They are trained in first aid at work and mental health first aid, so they can provide welfare support when other professional services aren't available.

Our Bereavement support at Bath guide has a lot of resources for students feeling challenged or overwhelmed by grief.

Staff

If you are a member of staff struggling with feelings around an attempted or suspected suicide, then you could speak to:

The Office for Students provides advice and guidance for universities.

External support

University staff and students can access support from outside the University.