UK universities need to understand that helping students with mental health issues is not just about funding counsellors and support services but also about reforming practices that may be discriminatory, according to the parents of a University of Bristol student who won a landmark court ruling over her death.
Robert and Margaret Abrahart, who were awarded £50,000 in damages after a judge ruled that the university had breached its duties to their daughter Natasha by failing to adjust its assessments, said they did not expect the university to cure her mental health issues but rather to ensure a level playing field so she could participate in the course.
They have called for better training for staff and more sector-wide awareness of what the Equality Act entails to prevent similar tragic cases in future.
