Uni suicides rise 79% to record level
SUICIDE rates are at a record level in universities amid a five-fold increase in students reporting mental health problems.
The number of student suicides increased from 75 to 134 – a surge of 79% – between 2007 and 2015.
A poll of 58 sites showed 94% have had an increased demand for counselling.
And policy think-tank IPPR added that 15,395 first years – 2% of all students – disclosed a mental health condition in 2015/16. This compared with 0.4% in 2006/07.
The IPPR’s Craig Thorley said: “The university sector should drive up quality and increase access to support.
“Along with strengthened NHS provision, this will help ensure no student is held back by their mental health.”