Presenter: Dr Siobhan O’Dwyer and Dr Dan Burrows
Webinar: Understanding suicide risk in parents caring for disabled children
Presenter: Dr Siobhan O’Dwyer and Dr Dan Burrows
Date: Wednesday 29th January
Time: 1 – 2pm
Location: Online, ZOOM
Presenters
Dr Siobhan O’Dwyer is Associate Professor of Social Care at the University of Birmingham. She has led research on unpaid care for the last 15 years, including studies in Australia, the UK, and the Netherlands. Her research has informed policy and practice, and inspired critically acclaimed art and theatre.
Dr Dan Burrows is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at Cardiff University.
Abstract
New research has found that parent carers may be a high-risk group for suicide. More than 40% have thought about suicide, with some already having attempted suicide. Depression, dysfunctional coping, and feeling trapped in the caring role all increase the likelihood that parents of disabled children will contemplate suicide. This presentation will introduce you to the evidence on suicide risk in parent carers, explore the implications for policy and practice, and provide opportunities for you to discuss your own experiences of supporting at-risk parent carers.