Students at the University of Manchester are campaigning for better mental health support following the tragic death of a lecturer.
Dr Lloyd Cawthorne sadly passed away aged 32 in October. Tributes flooded in for the 'outstanding' and 'inspirational' lecturer, who worked within the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Manchester.
He had previously studied his Master of Physics in 2012 and a PhD in Nuclear Theory at the university back in 2016. A full inquest into his death has not yet been held.
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Today (November 30), students from the Department of Physics and Astronomy have organised a 'public assembly' in Dr Cawthorne's memory. Students will gather outside the Schuster Building to call for improvements to health support services at the university.
Campaigners are calling for more help for both students and staff, after claiming that people who need support are put on 'long waiting lists' with some then 'falling through the net'. Money will be raised for mental health charities CALM and Andy's Man Club.
Money will also be raised for the UCU's strike fund as students also show their support for lecturers who are taking part in strike action. Campaigners said Mr Cawthorne was on a 'casualised contract' when he worked at the university, which they said 'leads to unsustainable workloads and damage to mental health'.
Tom Rossall, a third year undergraduate Physics student, said: "Lloyd was an essential part of everyone's experience at the department. He clearly held his students, his co-workers, and their living and working conditions very close to his heart.
"Unfortunately, his time came before it was due, and now we have to make sure it never happens again. This is why we encourage men to speak out, this is why we push for better mental health services, this is why we want an end to casualisation."
A University of Manchester spokesperson said: "We are deeply saddened by Lloyd’s death. We have been supporting his family throughout, and his friends, students and colleagues. We understand and share the strength of feeling that this has caused, but we cannot comment on the circumstances surrounding Lloyd’s death, or the reasons, ahead of a formal coroner’s investigation.
"Staff in the School and wider University are committed to listening to any concerns and will continue to meet with staff and students and offer all possible support."
The spokesperson added that the health and wellbeing of students' is of 'critical importance' to the university and that an 'extensive network' of support is available. In relation to contracts, a university spokesperson added: "The University employs staff on permanent contracts wherever possible.
"We use fixed-term contracts only in the following circumstances: if external funding is available for a short time, to work on a defined project of fixed duration, to cover secondments or long-term absence, for research roles if four years or fewer or to cover temporary increases in student numbers. In accordance with the provisions of the Contracts of Employment Policy agreed with the trade unions, a Joint Contracts Working Group comprising both University and trade union members monitors the appropriate use of fixed term contracts.
"Our staff and students are at the core of everything we do. As well as salaries, we make sure everyone has good levels of annual leave, access to learning and development and to wellbeing and support services, as part of a full benefits package.
"We have also been working hard to improve conditions of employment such as contracts, workload and our gender and ethnicity pay gaps."
Following Dr Cawthorne's death, the university's Physics Society released a statement which read: "We are deeply saddened and tremendously shocked to learn of the passing of Dr Lloyd Cawthorne, our much loved lecturer At some point in your undergrad, you will have been taught by Lloyd.
"His continuous dedication to the courses and students has always been noticed and appreciated. Lloyd always promoted and shed light on minorities in physics, and was committed to teaching us all about their great achievements.
"This is really devastating news to hear and we want to express our gratitude to Lloyd. He made a lasting impression on us all, and will be sorely missed by everyone.
"We hope everyone takes time to process this shocking news and can heal. We send our condolences to his close friends and family, who feel this loss immeasurably more."
You can read about the university's mental health support on offer - including the Wellbeing initiative and counselling - here.
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