HEA Launches Revised National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework

Posted: 13 October, 2026

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) today launched the revised National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework, Folláine le Chéile, providing a renewed roadmap for higher education institutions to support student mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention.

Originally developed in 2020 as part of the HEA’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the Department of Health’s Connecting for Life – Ireland’s National Strategy to Reduce Suicide 2015-2024, the framework provides a national structure through which Ireland’s higher education institutions can address student mental health and suicide prevention in a coordinated and strategic manner.

The revised framework comes as the Department of Health’s recently published Strategy to Reduce Suicide and Self-harm: Connecting for Life 2026-2035 recommends that the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) continue to implement the HEA’s Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework.

In 2025, the HEA undertook a review of the original framework, which recommended an independent revision to streamline implementation actions and provide additional guidance to higher education institutions. Following a competitive procurement process, the HEA appointed Dr Deirdre Byrne and Dr Jessica Surdey in January 2026 to undertake the revision. An expert advisory group was established to support the revision, bringing together representatives from across the higher education sector, including students, senior leaders and counselling services, alongside representatives from the HSE and Department of Health.

The new framework aligns with the strategic priorities of the HEA Strategy for Student and Staff Health and Wellbeing and reflects feedback received during a stakeholder consultation process undertaken as part of the review of the 2020 framework.

The revised framework streamlines the original nine themes into three overarching themes: Leading, Learning and Nurturing. It places a stronger emphasis on mental health promotion, wellbeing and prevention, while continuing to recognise the important role of student-facing mental health support services.

Adopting a whole-institution approach, the framework recognises the needs of all students, including those studying on-campus, part-time, through blended learning and via distance education.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, said:

‘The mental health and wellbeing of our students and staff is fundamental to a positive and successful higher education experience. This revised National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework, Folláine le Chéile, demonstrates my Department’s ongoing commitment to embedding a whole-campus approach to wellbeing across the sector.

It reflects the strong progress achieved by the HEA and higher education stakeholders in recent years and provides a clear foundation for further action, supporting the Government’s commitment to advancing wellbeing throughout higher education.’

Ahead of the launch, Dr Alan Wall, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Authority, said:

‘Student mental health and wellbeing are central to student success and must remain a priority across the higher education sector. This revised framework provides a clear and practical roadmap for institutions to strengthen mental health promotion, wellbeing and suicide prevention. By adopting a whole-campus approach, we can work together to create supportive learning environments where every student has the opportunity to thrive.’

Dr Ross Woods, Senior Manager for Mental Health and Wellbeing at the Higher Education Authority, said:

‘Feedback from students shows that while academic outcomes remain important to them, they see wellbeing as a foundation rather than an add-on to student success. In this context, the framework supports institutions to embed wellbeing within institutional culture, policies, teaching and learning, support services and external partnerships, all with the ultimate aim of enhancing the college experience and supporting student success.’

The framework includes 20 recommended actions for higher education institutions to support student mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention. Each action is linked to the previous framework and the HEA Healthy Campus Charter and Framework and is accompanied by implementation guidance, monitoring and evaluation measures, and supporting resources.

The revision reflects the HEA’s ongoing commitment to supporting evidence-informed approaches to student wellbeing and ensuring that institutions are equipped to respond to evolving student needs and national policy priorities.

The revised framework was launched at an event in the Herbert Park Hotel, Dublin, on 13 October, bringing together stakeholders from across the higher education, student and health sectors.

The Framework can be accessed at: Health and Wellbeing | Policy | Higher Education Authority

Notes to Editor

• The National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework was first published by the HEA in 2020.
• The revised framework supports implementation of the Department of Health’s Strategy to Reduce Suicide and Self-harm: Connecting for Life 2026-2035.
• The framework was independently developed by Dr Deirdre Byrne and Dr Jessica Surdey, in consultation with the HEA and an expert advisory group.
• The framework contains 20 recommended actions for higher education institutions and is structured around three themes: Leading, Learning and Nurturing.
• The launch event will take place on 13 October at the Herbert Park Hotel, Dublin 4.