More mental health support needed for university students to save lives, MP tells Parliament

A debate was held last night in Parliament on the issue, following a campaign by parents whose children had taken their own lives during their studies.

Speaking during the debate, Tim raised the case of student Oskar Carrick from near Kendal, who died in his halls of residence in Sheffield.

Tim said: "It is my privilege and honour to speak in memory of Oskar Carrick, who died by suicide two years ago. His parents, Maxine and Gary, are with us today.

"They have lost somebody utterly dear to them, they have experienced - are experiencing - appalling grief, and yet their thought is, 'what can we do to protect other families from the same thing?' We all owe them a huge debt of thanks for their care for those who come next and for their determination to ensure that practical lessons are learnt.

"Oskar had made an attempt on his life, and despite the fact that both he and his parents had consented for the university to disclose information, that incident was not passed on to Oskar's mum and dad.

"The thought that a higher education institution of any kind should have any hesitation about sharing such vital information with parents and loved ones - because of concerns about legality, form, traditions, GDPR or whatever it might be - is clearly wrong and it is important that universities understand that.

"I hope that the Minister will be clear that parents and loved ones should be informed when there is a legitimate concern about somebody's mental health."