Suicide Prevention Training for Student Accommodation Staff - Creating a Safer, More Supportive Environment for Students

Join us for this essential training session designed to equip staff in student accommodation with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to support students who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional distress.

This session will cover:

• Recognising warning signs and risk factors
• How to have supportive, non-judgmental conversations
• Practical steps to ensure student safety
• Signposting to appropriate services and resources
• Looking after your own wellbeing while supporting others

Whether you're on the front line or in a supporting role, your presence and awareness can make a life-saving difference. Let’s work together to build a compassionate and responsive community where every student feels seen, heard, and supported.

Spaces Available

Agenda

Speakers

Toria Thomas, Tenancy Support and Wellbeing Coordinator, Unipol Student Homes

Toria is the Tenancy Support and Wellbeing Coordinator in Unipol. Having previously trained as a Religious Education secondary school teacher, so is well used to broaching difficult topics and answering sensitive questions. Since beginning in Unipol in May 2022, Toria has assisted student tenants with numerous issues, ranging from flat fallouts and messy kitchens, to mental health crises. Toria is passionate about LGBTQ+ rights, animal welfare and averting climate disaster.

Details

Questions that will be answered throughout the training will include:

What is suicide, and why does it happen?

Practical steps in student accommodation – how can we prevent the means?

The importance of training staff – how can we prepare front-facing staff for difficult conversations?

What should we do when someone expresses suicidal ideation? 

What are universities’ responsibility when it comes to student wellbeing?

What are landlords’ responsibility when it comes to student wellbeing?

If we have concerns about a student, when should we pass it to a third party, and who should we pass it to?

What happens if we are unable to prevent a suicide from taking place?

 

Delegates will leave the session with:

• Ability to identify early warning signs and risk factors related to student distress, mental health challenges, or safeguarding concerns.
• Confidence in having supportive, non-judgmental conversations with students, using active listening and empathy.
• Knowledge of practical steps to ensure student safety, including how to respond to disclosures and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Awareness of relevant services and resources for signposting students to internal and external support.
• Understanding of personal boundaries and self-care strategies to maintain their own wellbeing while supporting others.
• Improved skills in documentation and communication when managing wellbeing or safeguarding cases.
• Greater clarity on their role and responsibilities within the wider support network.