The first findings from the Parent Carer Wellbeing Study were published this month. Using data from the survey, we found that more than 40% of parent carers had thought about suicide, with some already having attempted suicide. Although many parent carers had thought about suicide, less than half had ever told anyone they were feeling this way or sought help. One of the main risk factors for suicidal thoughts was feeling trapped in the caring role. The findings show that parent carers think about suicide at much higher rates than the general population and at higher rates that other unpaid carers. They have serious implications for policy and practice, and we are now working closely with policy makers, local authorities, and health & social care professionals to help them understand the challenges parent carers face and develop strategies to mitigate them. The full report is available here . A news article about the finding - including the stories of parent carers who were co-researchers on the study - is available here . In the video below you can hear Associate Professor Siobhan O'Dwyer (who led the study) and two parent carers (who were co-researchers) share their thoughts on the findings. If you're a parent carer in need of urgent support, please contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258. We are currently preparing a report on the findings from the interviews and hope to share that soon.

A big 'thank you' to everyone who completed the Parent Carer Wellbeing Study Survey!

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