*Trigger warning* This episode discusses research into suicidal thoughts experienced by parent carers. The content may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Please take care while listening, and reach out to a support network if needed.

In our latest episode of Care Fully Considered, we welcome Dr. Siobhan O’Dwyer to the podcast. She is associate professor in adult social care at the university of Birmingham.

We discuss her research looking into suicidal thoughts and behaviours in parent carers and the shocking results she uncovered. This first-of-its-kind UK study reveals just how much parent carers are struggling in this lifelong role, and why they are a marginalised group in both the parent and carer communities.

We talk about the struggle of coping when the love you have for your child simply is not enough, the ongoing battle every parent carer faces to get the help and support they need, and what needs to change policy-wise to provide desperately needed support.

In lighter moments, we also talk about the therapeutic powers of guinea pigs and Australian reality TV shows.

For any inquiries or to suggest future guests, please email us at: wearecarers@gmail.com. Until next time!

For more information on the We Care Campaign, visit us on: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk/ and to find out what being an unpaid carer is really like, read Laura’s blog here: https://numbereighteeninthecorner.blog/

You can follow Siobhan on X here

You can read Siobhan's research here

You can find out more about the Parent Carer Wellbeing Study here

You can visit the Samaritans website here. You can call 116 123 if you need immediate assistance.

You can watch Married at First Sight - Australia here

You can watch the Guinea Pig Olympics here