The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has launched the revised National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework, Folláine le Chéile, providing a refreshed roadmap to support student mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention across Ireland’s higher education sector.
Originally developed in 2020, the framework was designed to support the implementation of Connecting for Life, Ireland’s national strategy to reduce suicide. Since then, it has provided a coordinated approach for higher education institutions to promote student wellbeing and strengthen mental health supports.
The updated framework aligns with the Department of Health’s new Strategy to Reduce Suicide and Self-harm: Connecting for Life 2026-2035 and reflects the evolving needs of students and institutions. Following a review undertaken by the HEA in 2025, the revised framework has been streamlined to make implementation easier and more effective, while placing greater emphasis on mental health promotion, wellbeing and prevention.
A key feature of the revised framework is the move from nine themes to three overarching pillars:
- Leading – embedding wellbeing within institutional leadership and governance
- Learning – promoting positive mental health through teaching, learning and campus culture
- Nurturing – ensuring students can access appropriate supports and services when needed
The framework adopts a whole-institution approach, recognising the diverse needs of all students, including those studying on campus, part-time, through blended learning, or by distance education.
The framework contains 20 recommended actions for higher education institutions, supported by implementation guidance, monitoring and evaluation measures, and practical resources. It also aligns with the HEA Healthy Campus Charter and Framework, helping institutions embed wellbeing into policies, practices and the overall student experience.
Feedback from students has shown that wellbeing is increasingly seen as a foundation for academic success rather than an optional extra. The revised Folláine le Chéile framework reflects this understanding by encouraging institutions to integrate wellbeing into every aspect of campus life.
The launch reinforces the shared commitment across the education and health sectors to support positive mental health outcomes for students and to ensure higher education environments are places where everyone can learn, grow and flourish.
Further information and access to the framework: https://hea.ie/policy/health-and-wellbeing-landing-page/