Frequently Asked Questions

What is RaPSS?

RaPSS stands for Responses and Prevention in Student Suicide. RaPSS is an HEI based research project looking specifically at the issue of student suicide within higher education.

Who is carrying out the project?

RaPSS is a joint project between PAPYRUS and the University of Central Lancashire.

PAPYRUS is a national charity working to prevent suicide in young people. It has produced a number of resources for those concerned about positive mental health in young people and now runs a telephone national helpline HOPELineUK (08000 68 41 41).

The project is managed by Nicky Stanley and Jill Manthorpe, authors of Student Mental Health Needs : Problems and Responses

Who is funding the project?

The project has been made possible by a grant awarded by the Big Lottery Fund.

Who is the project  working with?

The project team is working with Universities and Colleges of Higher Education in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. We  are talking to families, university staff and students. HEI staff, including student services staff, are asked to help us contact relevant individuals.

Does the project have ethical approval?

The project has been approved by the NHS Multi Region Ethical Committee and the UCLAN Ethics Committee.

What are the aims of RaPSS?

There are 3 main parts to this project.

Suicide Prevention

The research aims to identify vulnerability factors in cases of student suicide which can be used to develop preventative strategies for troubled students in higher education

Suicide Responses

The RaPSS study is exploring good practice in the areas of suicide prevention and response in HEIs and identifying what is helpful for those on whom the death impacts.

Dissemination

 The project will provide guidance on good practice in the prevention of student suicide and response which can be used by HEI staff, student union support services and relevant health professionals.

What are the expected outcomes of this work?

Both the research team and PAPYRUS are actively working towards increasing awareness of student suicide. We will hold a conference to share our results and a report will be produced detailing the findings of the study. If you wish to keep in touch with the project’s progress please email us at: researcher@rapss.org.uk

What does the project involve?

The first stage involved gaining the initial consent of the student’s family to have their relative’s story included in the project.  After this, a member of the RaPSS team approached students, family members and academic, administrative and support staff. By carrying out individual confidential interviews, the team hope to gain an insight into the experiences of those who knew the student before their death and those who were involved in dealing with the aftermath.  The research team will also be talking to HEIs about their policies and procedures for responding to students with problems, and in the event of a suicide, how they deal with the aftermath. 

What support is there for those who take part?

Sudden death is a distressing experience. The researchers in the team have been selected specifically because of their extensive experience of working with families about sensitive issues. We have also arranged for support to be offered by relevant bereavement and counselling organisations . We are hopeful that those who feel able to share their experiences will help to influence the future care of vulnerable students and shape the responses of Universities in caring for all those affected by these sudden deaths.

The team will ensure that it will not be possible to identify any individuals or organisations who take part in the research