The campaign comes two weeks after the inquest of Newcastle University student Jeni Larmour, who died in October 2020 “after consuming a mixture of alcohol and drugs”, according to the university.
In the statement, which was sent out to all students, Day and Baugh described Larmour as “an outstanding student with a bright future ahead of her”, adding, “we are incredibly sad she never got the opportunity to start her academic journey with us”. They then went on to detail a series of initiatives and resources they are implementing to reinforce student welfare.
In an attempt to increase the support available, the email reminded students of the NUSU Welfare and Support Centre, which they can go to for any concerns, including those related to drug and alcohol use. They also have drug testing kits, free to pick up from the Students’ Union, and a drug amnesty bin, in which students can dispose of drugs, free of consequence and judgement.
In addition to this, NUSU is also making face-to-face support available so that students can receive confidential advice, and there is a range of welfare guidance online in the form of resources on drugs and harm reduction and alcohol safety.
While all of these resources are promoted by the union, the university also has student health and well-being services which work “to provide confidential drop-in sessions to help with concerns and questions around drugs and alcohol”. These are available every Wednesday from 5pm-7pm in King’s Gate.
If students would prefer to access support at their university accommodation, they can contact Reslife, whose coordinators offer information and advice to students who are looking to reduce or quit.
18-year-old Larmour died on the first night of Freshers’ Week two years ago, when she consumed a “lethal combination of alcohol and ketamine”, according to the BBC. The day after her death, the Vice-Chancellor sent an email to all students advising them to take caution when consuming drugs and alcohol: “Remember, it is against the law to take and supply drugs and it is also extremely dangerous”.
The message received backlash as students were left frustrated with his choice of words. A day later, Day sent a longer, more detailed email expressing his “greatest sadness” and outlining several means of welfare support at the university and throughout the city.
BBC News reported on the inquest, describing how it concluded that the drugs consumed by Jeni did not belong to her, but were given to her by another student, though not one from Newcastle University.
Regarding measures the university had in place at the time of Larmour’s death, there was a compulsory online programme with information on how to stay safe if considering the use of drugs and alcohol, which is still available now. However, one current student told The Courier, “I wasn’t aware of this online module. I think it should be better publicised. If it’s compulsory, why don’t we know about it?”.