Healthcare students took part in an online training session with Dr SAMS (Suicide Awareness in Medical Students) in collaboration with the suicide awareness and prevention charity Olly’s Future.

The programme, funded by Kent County Council, aims to provide medical and healthcare students with tools to aid with suicide prevention and offer them practical initiatives in self-care. This vital initiative has also been delivered at the Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS) and at other medical schools and universities around the UK.

The charity Olly's Future was set up by Ann Feloy, in memory of her son Oliver who studied at University College London. “It's a privilege to be working with Canterbury Christ Church University,” Ann said.

“Our focus is on keeping young people safe from suicide and equipping as many people as possible, especially healthcare students, with the skills to save lives.”

Paramedic Science Student Eleanor Frost, reflected on the session. ‘I feel more confident and happier talking about the subject after this training. It was structured well, and I felt engaged throughout. Self-care is incredibly important for living a happier and healthier life and it doesn’t need to be a big thing but has such a high importance.’

Dr Ian Marsh, Reader in the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Work and the University Suicide-Safe Lead at Canterbury Christ Church University said: 

It is fantastic that our healthcare students can access this suicide prevention training. It means that future health professionals will have been trained to initiate a conversation around suicide and will have the tools to respond in a helpful way to people in distress. The training also covers the importance of self-care and self-compassion, and these skills are very important for people working in high pressure and demanding jobs. By taking care of themselves our students will be more able to take good care of their patients.

Dr Ian Marsh Reader in the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Work and the University Suicide-Safe Lead

Megan Abbott, Public Health Specialist at Kent County Council’s Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention Programme, spoke about the importance of the training. “We know the importance of making suicide prevention everybody’s business as highlighted in the National Suicide Prevention Strategy for England. Training like Olly’s Future ensures that students know what to do if someone discloses suicidal thoughts or if they sense that something is not right. It also equips students with the information to signpost to relevant services that can help.”

Find out about our University Student Wellbeing Support services. Access free and confidential 24/7 support by texting SHOUT to 85258.

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