Universities could finally be forced to have a legal duty for student mental health, under a new bill being introduced to the House of Lords.
The bill, introduced by Conservative peer Lord Ralph Lucas, would also require universities to give students the option for the uni to call a parent if the student is in crisis.
Calls have been growing for universities to do so, after several parents – including the father of Bristol student Ben Murray – publicly said their children would still be alive if they had been contacted.
Titled the “Student Mental Health Bill”, the bill includes measures which would require universities to record contact details, for every student, of a person to be contacted in an emergency, and “set out a duty on such providers to support student mental health”.
The Student Mental Health Bill has been introduced to the House of Lords
Conservative peer Lord Ralph Lucas wants universities to look after students
It means parents could be called if their child suffers a mental health crisis
Anyone seeking help can call Samaritans free on 116 123 or visit Samaritans.org
Did your child suffer a mental health crisis while at university? Email emer.scully@mailonline.co.uk