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 (undergraduate or postgraduate). You can also direct the student to the relevant College service.
This will not be possible at weekends or out of hours, so in this case Personal Tutors should inform Security (020 7594 8910 or internal 4444). Outside agencies such as the police or an ambulance should not be called directly by Personal Tutors as they will have difficulty locating the student on campus.
Mental health-related crisis
The College’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 which include:
Samaritans Tel: 116 123 (UK)
London Nightline (from 18:00 to 08:00) Tel: 020 7631 0101
College Chaplaincy Tel: 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 the student’s behaviour is disruptive. Read more about managing confidentiality as a Personal Tutor.
Personal Tutors who themselves need to talk over a crisis situation can contact Confidential Care on 0800 085 4764.