Parents of student who took her own life to sue Bristol University

Lawyers supporting Natasha's family say she had been a high-achieving student until her second year at the University.

The parents of a student who suffered with severe social anxiety and took her own life are suing Bristol University, claiming their daughter's mental health was neglected while she was there.

Natasha Abrahart, originally from Nottingham, took her own life on 30 April 2018.

The second-year physics student, was diagnosed with chronic social anxiety three months before her death and was due to give an assessed presentation in front of staff and students on the day she died.

Academic staff said they knew that she 'suffered from anxiety and panic attacks' in relation to oral assessments. However, a senior lecturer told the inquest that 'no changes were made' to her assessment on 30 April.

Credit: Family Photo

In May 2019 Coroner Maria Voisin concluded 'gross failures' by the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership also contributed to her death. The partnership have apologised to Natasha's family and said they would take on board the coroner's recommendations.

Lawyers supporting Natasha's family say following the inquest into her death - they are now arguing "that through a combination of negligence and disability discrimination the University contributed to a decline in Natasha’s mental state."

Natasha's parents, Robert and Margaret Abrahart are crowdfunding to support their legal challenge against the University of Bristol.

At the time of the inquest, the University released this statement:

“In May 2019, an inquest found that Natasha Abrahart, a student at the University, sadly took her own life in April 2018.

"Her death deeply affected everyone at the University but particularly her family and friends and the staff and students who knew her best."

“Legal proceedings regarding Natasha’s death are now underway, and so it would be inappropriate for the University to comment further at the present time.

“We recognise mental health as one of the biggest public health issues, which is why we have adopted an institute-wide approach to foster an inclusive and safe environment for all students and staff.

"We are also committed to reducing the stigma around mental health and creating space for it to permeate through every aspect of the University’s culture and experience.

“Wellbeing remains at the heart of our University and we will continue to develop and implement our mental health support services and strategies to ensure our students and staff have access to the most effective and timely support possible."

The university continued: "Like all universities, schools and colleges, we are deeply concerned by the increase of mental health issues amongst our young people nationally.

Complex mental health challenges cannot be addressed by universities alone, and we cannot be expected to replace the NHS.

"We are, however, fully committed to working with our partners in the NHS, charities and across the HE sector in a collaborative effort to ensure we are providing the best possible support to our students."

If you or someone you know needs help you can contact the following organisations:

  • Mind: "We won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect"

  • Samaritans: Providing confidential emotional support. Call 116 123.

  • NHS: Visit your GP, or call NHS 111