On 16th April, Ann Feloy Olly’s Future’s our CEO and founder, Louise Howard, Associate Professor of Mental Health Nursing, at Kingston University. a leading nurse educator, spoke at the Royal College of Nursing education conference at Exeter University.
Along with other nurse educators from universities and practice, they addressed an audience of delegates from across the UK at Their speech: ‘Talking about suicide – introducing tools to support nursing students to have courageous and compassionate conversations’.
Prof. Nicola Ranger, General Secretary and Chief Executive, RCN, gave an inspiring introductory speech, recognising concerns around the wellbeing of student nurses which resonated with the Olly’s Future’s work with Kingston University. Acclaimed actress, presenter, author and humanitarian Baroness Floella Benjamin, OM DBE DL, was the keynote speaker. In her inspiring speech ‘Facing adversity with a smile’ she covered aspects of her own life, describing nurses as ‘guardian angels’. She advocates developing positive attitudes, such as Consideration (not being judgemental) Contentment (being satisfied and not envious) Confidence (liking the person you are) and Courage (pursuing the truth with integrity and honesty).
For the past two years, over 700 student nurses at Kingston University, where Louise is based, have received Olly’s Future training. Louise said: “It’s vital student nurses learn skills to ensure they can talk about suicide with confidence and competence. It’s our shared mission to inspire all student nurses to keep their own wellbeing at the forefront of their work, to provide the best possible care to themselves and their future patients.”
Of real concern is that female nurses have a 23% higher rate of suicide than the general population.
