HALF of all ambulance call-outs to the University of York this year were due to self harm or suicide attempts, a concerning report has shown.

Eight student deaths since 2014, and rising numbers of students seeking emergency help, have been detailed in a report investigating mental ill health among students on behalf of Koen Lamberts, the vice chancellor of the University of York.

City of York Council has confirmed it is supporting the university following a number of sudden deaths and North Yorkshire's suicide prevention officer has also been involved in advising the task group behind the report.

The prevalence and severity of mental ill health at the university is increasing and continues to rise due to multiple pressures on students, including concern about finances - with student debts averaging £44,000 - and future employment.

Meanwhile, inadequate mental health services in York, exacerbated by the closure of Bootham Park Hospital, have also contributed to the problem, the report details.

Ben Leatham, the president of the University of York students' union and an author of the report, said: "In York in particular, there has been a historic funding gap with regards to mental health. Students and residents alike are faced with long waits for appointments, particularly for non-crisis care. It is simply not good enough.

"Without more investment in improvements to the quality and quantity of services I fear York residents will continue to be let down."

There were three University of York student deaths in 2014, one which was found to be suicide and two natural causes. There were four deaths in 2015 and one in 2016 to date, the report states.

In 2014,14 per cent of 158 ambulance call outs to the university were due to self harm or attempted suicide. This increased to 32 per cent of 134 call outs in 2015 and then to 50 per cent of the 24 call outs between January and February 2016.

The prevalence of students seeking help has also increased with the number of students seeking mental health support from the university's Open Door service rising by 46 per cent between 2010/11 and 2014/15, much more sharply than rising student numbers.

The most common problems were anxiety and depression.

A series of recommendations have been made by the task group in order to improve mental health among students, Mr Leatham said. They include taking immediate steps to improve university support for mental ill health and working alongside the NHS and local agencies to drive the momentum for better services in York.

"Students in York, like elsewhere in the country, increasingly need support with their mental health," he said, "University of York management have listened to the concerns raised by students and are taking action to try and tackle the challenge - I commend them for that.

"The report is a huge step forward and has rightly been well-received by students. Alone though it will not solve the major mental health challenge that we have in York. It is only a first step."

Last year The Press reported how levels of male suicide in York between 2002 and 2013 were the fourth highest in the country.

Speaking earlier this year, a City of York Council spokesperson said it had been supporting the university following a number of unexplained deaths.

They said: "This work has included helping to ensure appropriate support is available for students and staff, a response which is common place for any concerned organisation or community following an unexpected, premature death. Some of these deaths may be determined as suicide when the circumstances are considered at inquest over the coming months."

Professor Koen Lamberts, the University of York's vice-chancellor and president, said about the task group investigation: "The report reflects an excellent and thorough piece of work, made possible by the University’s outstanding academic expertise in this area. I welcome the clarity of the recommendations, and I pledge my personal support for their swift implementation.

"This is a very important issue for the University, and I look forward to working with colleagues from academic and support departments as we put in place the report’s recommendations."

A rally and march rally organised by Mental Health Action York is due to be held in St Helen's Square today from 12pm.

- Anyone experiencing feelings of depression and contemplating suicide can phone York Samaritans on 01904 655888.

- People who urgently need help can contact the TEWV crisis team on 01904 610700 (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week).