Organisation
Wear the ribbon, wear it together: working together on suicide prevention among students
From 7 to 13 September is World Suicide Prevention Week organised by the 113 Suicide Prevention Foundation. This years theme is: 'Draag het lintje, draag het samen’. By lending an ear and starting a conversation, you can guide students with suicidal thoughts to the right help. Whether you work with students on a daily basis or only talk to them now and again, together we can make a difference and play our part in creating a caring and safe university.
Prevention resources
As a staff member, you may encounter signs that a student is experiencing suicidal thoughts or, in rare cases, be faced with a suicide attempt or suicide. These situations can be distressing and challenging. It is important to know how to respond and where to find support.
A range of suicide prevention resources are available on the staff website, to help you recognise and express concerns about possible suicidality. Here, you'll also find postvention (support and aftercare) action plans: the Suicide Response Protocol and the Attempted Suicide Response Protocol. These set out what the actions to be taken and clarify roles and responsibilities are.
What else can you do?
You can participate in one of the activities during the campaign week, organised by the 113 Suicide Prevention Foundation.
If you would like to get started straight away, you can take a training course given by experts from the 113 Suicide Prevention Foundation. Online or at the university. You will learn:
- how to recognise signs of depression and suicidal thoughts
- how to start a discussion in a respectful way
- where to go for professional follow-up support
113 Foundation training courses
Free online training is available during the campaign week from 7 to 14 September. You can find more information on the 113 website.
Gatekeeper training 6 October and 3 November at the university
Would you like to discuss this issue in greater detail and practise together with colleagues? If so, sign up for the in-person Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper training: (6 October in Dutch and 3 November in English):
- For study supervisors, lecturers and all support staff who are in regular contact with students.
- You will exchange experiences and be given concrete tools to help you open the discussion.
- The training will take place in a safe, familiar setting with colleagues.
There are still places available! Please register for 6 October or 3 November.
Do you need help yourself?
Please contact 113 Suicide Prevention Foundation via 0800-0113 or 113.nl. You can call or chat completely anonymously.