Mental Health in Higher Education – Surviving and Thriving Conference
KEYNOTE SPEECH - ROBERT ABRAHART
The parents of Natasha Abrahart, a disabled student who took her own life in April 2018 on the day she was due to give a presentation to fellow students and lecturers, have backed new guidance for universities issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission. The guidance sets out what higher education providers must do to ensure compliance with equality law relating to disability. Bob will deliver his key note unpicking intricacies around duty of care and these new recommendations for the sector. “Universities often misunderstand reasonable adjustments, treating students as if they’re trying to exploit the system rather than addressing their genuine needs. This ignorance and resistance to change can have serious consequences, such as the tragic loss of our daughter."
LOCATION: Chancellors Hall, University of Wolverhampton
Zero Suicide Society Join The Dots Tour & Conference
Bob and Maggie Abrahart - two of our key ForThe100 campaigners - will be speaking at The Jordan Legacy's "Zero Suicide Society" Transformation Programme/ Tour this summer. Read more about the event and The Jordan Legacy here.
Candlelight Vigil
Each year, a staggering 100 university students tragically take their own lives; their dreams extinguished, their potential unrealised. Yet, in the face of such profound loss, we refuse to let their voices fade into the shadows of despair.
Members of ForThe100 will lead the vigil, providing readings and reflections that honour the lives lost to suicide, while also offering messages of hope.
It’s not just a gathering of mourners; it is a testament to resilience, compassion, and solidarity. It is a beacon of hope illuminating the path toward greater understanding, support, and mental health advocacy.
Mental health knows no boundaries. It affects us all, and it is incumbent upon us to stand together as allies and advocates. So, regardless of background, affiliation, or personal experience, this vigil is open to all who wish to pay their respects and stand in solidarity with those affected by suicide.
Westminster Higher Education Forum
This conference focuses on provision of mental health support for students in higher education. With DfE setting the target for all universities to sign up to Student Minds’ University Mental Health Charter Programme by September 2024, the conference will bring together policymakers, regulators and stakeholders to discuss the development of a whole-university approach to improving student mental health.
Key area for discussion: duty of care: options for an HEI statutory requirement - potential implications for both students and universities - issues related to GDPR and student confidentiality requirements
