Helping Parents When Their Child Dies at University

One of a series of leaflets published by The Compassionate Friends This is some of what has helped us (bereaved parents) through the initial shocking time of discovery: • Being contacted by the university, particularly if it is a named individual who will then stay in touch. (See more on this below.) • Being kept informed of developments, such as police or medical enquiries, although it is likely the police themselves will be in touch with us about this. • Not being offered suggestions as to the cause of death until this has been established by the relevant authorities. • Being asked about our preferences regarding information sharing with the wider student community and staff. • Receiving a letter of condolence from staff, particularly those who knew our child personally, such as a personal tutor, subject lead or head of department. Single point of contact for the student’s parent(s) The university will have a record of the student’s legal next of kin or nominated family contact. This may be both, either or neither of their parents. The following suggestions are based on the assumption that the parent(s) being contacted are those with this legal right. Parents might feel bewildered and lack understanding of how the university is run and who they might need to speak with. For this reason, it would a great help if a senior member of the University Wellbeing Team or Student Services Department could act as a single point of contact.