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Researchers from ATU and UCD Collaborate on Revision of the HEA National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework
Researchers from Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and University College Dublin (UCD) have been commissioned by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to lead an expert revision of the National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework, Ireland’s first national approach dedicated to supporting student mental health and suicide prevention across higher education.
The Framework, originally launched on World Mental Health Day in 2020, was developed as part of the HEA’s commitment to delivering on the Department of Health’s Connecting for Life – Ireland’s National Strategy to Reduce Suicide 2015–2020. Its development drew on extensive collaboration with students, mental health practitioners, suicide prevention specialists, academics, researchers, and staff across the higher education sector.
Since 2020, the HEA has delivered a coordinated national approach to strengthening student mental health and wellbeing, advanced major policy frameworks including the Healthy Campus Charter (2022) and Limerick Framework (2025), the Strategy for Student and Staff Health and Wellbeing (2025) and increased the annual allocation to publicly funded higher education institutions to €5m in funding for mental health and wellbeing supports for students.
In 2024, a cross-sectoral review panel was established to assess implementation progress and identify opportunities to strengthen the Framework. A key recommendation from the review was the commissioning of an independent revision to streamline implementation actions and enhance the practical guidance available to institutions nationwide.
ATU’s Dr Deirdre Byrne and UCD’s Dr Jessica Surdey, two of the original authors of the 2020 Framework, have now been contracted by the HEA to carry out this revision. Their work will ensure the Framework remains clear, evidence-informed, and responsive to the evolving needs of students and institutions.
“The revision of this Framework is an important opportunity to build on the progress made since 2020, strengthen the guidance available to institutions, and ensure that evidence-based, student-centred approaches remain at the heart of the sector’s response. We look forward to working with the HEA again, to strengthening a national approach that directly contributes to student wellbeing.” Deirdre Byrne (ATU)
“It is essential that higher education institutions are equipped with clear, practical, and research-informed guidance to support student mental health. Revising the Framework will allow us to reflect the latest evidence and ensure that strategic actions are achievable and adaptable across diverse campus contexts.” Jessica Surdey (UCD)
The revised Framework will continue to underpin the HEA’s efforts to foster student success and healthier, more inclusive learning environments across the higher education sector.
