A conversation about community support and safe spaces in and around universities.

In this episode, our Head of Communications Carrie Blake talks to Joshua Hevicon, Senior Practitioner for the University Retreat, and Kerry-Ann Randle, Head of Student Support and Wellbeing for Bournemouth University, about providing safe support spaces for university students in conjunction with wider community groups and resources.

Kerry and Josh talk about the development of the University Retreat, a free and open space for students to seek mental health support in a safe and calming environment. They discuss what the resource has done for students, the impact of a mental health safe space on the stigma of suicide and how they hope to expand.

Listen to find out more about how to fill gaps in mental health provision for at-risk communities, especially in higher education, what successful peer-driven models can look like for the student population.

Further reading

• Youth Suicide Prevention Hub: https://prevent-suicide.org.uk/youth-suicide-prevention-hub/
• Grassroots Suicide Prevention Training courses: https://prevent-suicide.org.uk/training/
• University Retreat news story: https://www.bcha.org.uk/news/student-mental-health-service-the-university-retreat-officially-opens/

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of suicide, please contact the emergency services on 999.

You can find more resources, advice and support below:

• Find help now: https://bit.ly/3qLtzfg

• Website: https://bit.ly/45oiFet

• Suicide Prevention Hub: https://bit.ly/3OPJyAW

• Download our app on iOS or Android: https://bit.ly/3QT8hH0

• Access the app on your computer: https://bit.ly/47OzErR