This article outlines how the University of Wolverhampton aims to develop a whole-systems approach in a training programme to mitigate the risk of suicide in students. It was decided that suicide mitigation was not just the role of healthcare professionals; all university staff should be equipped with the skills to offer support should they find themselves in the role of the first responder.

The ‘three minutes to save a life’ programme is focused on increasing participant awareness and compassion, eradicating stigma around students experiencing emotional distress and promoting student resilience in developing active strategies to seek help. The programme is aimed at creating a safer and more responsive community, and one that is confident and compassionate towards those who experience mental health difficulties; there is a proven need for this training at a higher education institution level.