Nina Smith was determined to still attend university despite the news
A mum’s life changed forever weeks before she was due to start her degree at University. Nina Smith, from Wigan, was preparing to study mental health at Edge Hill University when a knock at the door caught her off guard.
The 35-year-old was told the news her brother, had taken his own life at the age of 30 in 2021. Despite this, the former teacher was not prepared to postpone her studies. The mum-of-two previously told the ECHO: “To lose my little brother, just two weeks before I was due to start a master’s in mental health, was devastating. Rather than deferring, I decided to throw myself into my work.
“My first day at Edge Hill was only four days after the funeral, and we spent the day completing suicide prevention training. If only I had done this training a few weeks earlier, maybe I could have helped my brother. It took me a while to be able to interact with people. When I first started, during lectures, tears would stream down my face as the content we were learning about was so pertinent and personal to me.
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“I would like people to realise that people who die by suicide are not just numbers or statistics. They have a face, a name, and a story. They are people with families who love them and miss them every day.”
Nina, now a PhD researcher passionate about suicide prevention, has lobbied the education sector. She shared her experience with schools and colleges after Will’s death and was awarded a Churchill Fellowship. She used this to research school-based suicide prevention strategies in Australia and the US.
Her recently published findings, compiled as a practical blueprint of support strategies, are now helping to inform teacher training and ongoing teacher education at Edge Hill, including the creation of a new primary mental health and wellbeing PGCE.
The mum-of-two young girls said: “Suicide is the leading cause of death among young people and schools are on the front lines of this crisis. Training teachers to recognise signs and respond effectively saves lives.
“By working closely with schools in the US and Australia, world-leading organisations and global experts in this field, I’ve gained deep insights into proven methods and practical steps schools can take to support young people’s mental health and prevent suicides.
“I’m truly heartened by Edge Hill’s commitment to implement my findings; the University is not only leading the way in this field but also setting a path for other universities to follow, creating lasting change across the UK.”
Nina presented her research at an event to mark the first anniversary of Edge Hill’s Centre for Mental Health, Sport and Physical Activity Research (CMSPR).
As part of the Faculty of Education, the centre undertakes high-quality research and knowledge exchange that has proven positive impacts on the mental health and well-being of children and young people, those who work in education, families, communities, and professional sports organisations.
Dr Helen O’Keeffe, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Education said: “Our extensive partnerships of schools have repeatedly identified mental health and suicide prevention as a significant challenge they face, often without appropriate training, resource and support.
“We plan to use our own research and the findings from Nina’s report to inform our future work with schools, which is in line with our mission to work creatively to enhance life chances.”
The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at [email protected].
- CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably (0800 58 58 58) is a leading movement against suicide. It runs a UK helpline and webchat from 5pm to midnight 365 days a year for anyone who has hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.
- PANDAS (0808 1961 776) runs a free helpline and offers a support service for people who may be suffering with perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (antenatal) and postnatal depression plus support for their family or network.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
- Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone who has been affected by a suicide. This includes dealing with police and coroners; helping with media enquiries; preparing for and attending an inquest and helping to access other, appropriate, local support services. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk for more details.
- Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text HOPE to 85258 to find relevant services near you.
- Young Persons Advisory Service – Providing mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: [email protected]
- Paul’s Place – providing free counselling and group sessions to anyone living in Merseyside who has lost a family member or friend to suicide. Tel: 0151 226 0696 or email: [email protected]
- The Martin Gallier Project – offering face to face support for individuals considering suicide and their families. Opening hours 9.30-16.30, 7 days a week. Tel: 0151 644 0294 email: [email protected]
- James’ Place – supports men over 18 who are experiencing a suicidal crisis by providing quick access to therapy and support. Call 0151 303 5757 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm or visit https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/
