There may be a rare occasion when a student in crisis (and possibly suicidal) turns to their personal tutor for help. During working hours, you should inform the Senior Tutor.
This will not be possible at weekends or out of hours. In this case. you should should inform Security (020 7594 8910 or internal 4444). Ringing outside agencies such as the police or an ambulance is not recommended as they will have difficulty locating the student on campus.
Mental health-related crisis
Imperial’s Mental Health Difficulties Protocol gives detailed and valuable advice on how to deal with a crisis situation where a student is suffering from severe mental health difficulties. It is important to listen to the student, give them support and inform them of the relevant services. The following are some of these services:
- Samaritans: Ring 116 123 (UK)
- London Nightline: Ring 020 7631 0101 (between 18.00 and 08.00)
- Chaplaincy: Ring 020 7594 9600
- Imperial's Student Support Zone provides information about mental health and wellbeing
As a personal tutor, you should be conscious that you may need to explain to the student that while an effort will be made to keep what they say confidential, this may not be possible if the student (or someone else) is at risk or if their behaviour is disruptive. Read more about managing confidentiality.
Personal tutors who themselves need to talk over a crisis situation can contact Confidential Care on 0800 085 4764.