Parents to be told of student anxiety

PARENTS could be alerted if their son or daughter is on the verge of a mental breakdown at university under Government proposals.

For the first time, students would be asked at freshers’ week if they would like their families to know if they start suffering from anxiety, depression or other problems.

Universities Minister Sam Gyimah, who will announce the scheme today, said higher education institutions risk ‘failing a generation of students’ unless they take action on mental wellbeing.

It would be strictly on an opt-in basis, so if a student refuses to sign up or simply does not provide an answer, no contact will be made.

The plan aims to end the tragedy of students committing suicide as a result of mental illnesses their families have known nothing about.

Under the plan, students south of the Border would be asked to fill in a form to indicate their preferences in the event of a mental breakdown. They would also provide the contact details of the person the university can contact.

It is understood the Department for Education proposal will be subject to consultation with universities and mental health groups.

Mr Gyimah said: ‘If there is a serious problem at the moment, and there is a parent or other person who can help, no one would alert that person now. That is a problem because it might be support that is necessary, but that is not forthcoming if we haven’t allowed this mechanism to be in place.’

It is part of a raft of announcements today, including a charter on mental health, aimed at providing a ‘new deal for students’. ÷For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local branch. See samaritans.org for details.