Warning: This article discusses suicide.
A Victoria University student says she was asked to leave her hall of residence after returning from hospital following an attempted suicide.
The anonymous student told student magazine Salient it was extremely stressful having to leave Cumberland Hall, and made a tough period of her life even harder.
Victoria University's director of student and campus living Rainsforth Dix said the Head of Cumberland Hall met with the student and a parent after "an incident", advising them the hall wouldn't be a suitable place for her to live at that time.
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"They were told that after a critical incident, the counselling service recommends a period of respite before returning to the hall," Ms Dix told Newshub.
"They were also advised that in this case, the hall environment was not considered conducive to the student's recovery."
Ms Dix said when responding to incidents in halls of residence, the university has to weigh up the rights of individuals against the collective good of the hall and the potential impact on other students including roommates.
The student told Salient she felt the halls did not provide enough support for students' health and wellbeing.
Her father, who also remained anonymous, said he felt the hall had prioritised the health and safety of other students over his daughter.
"They said it kind of runs along the lines of health and safety. I said, whose health and whose safety are we talking about?" he told Salient.
But Victoria University says it "has a robust health and counselling service and a dedicated wellbeing and student support team that responds, and helps, to reduce the stress and pressure that can lead to suicide attempts," according to Ms Dix.
"We also partner closely with our students to deliver education campaigns, workshops and practical interventions as preventative approaches and to provide support to our students and staff.
"There are student support staff based in halls who help manage the wellbeing of students who can work with other university staff to develop individual pastoral care programmes."
Have you had a similar experience? Email digital@newshub.co.nz
Where to find help and support:
- Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
- Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).
- Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.
- Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Newshub.
