The film, More than a parent, created by award-winning filmmaker Bhulla Beghal of BlueBell Films in partnership with the University of Birmingham, draws on research led by Dr Siobhan O’Dwyer, Associate Professor of Social Care. The study revealed that 41% of parent carers in England have considered suicide. Even more starkly, one in three of those who had suicidal thoughts had made a plan in the past year, but fewer than half had ever told anyone or sought help.
A Broken System, Not Broken Parents
Dr O’Dwyer says the real problem lies not in raising a child with serious needs, but in being forced to navigate “a broken system.” Parents often fight daily battles with healthcare, education, social care, and benefits systems just to secure the most basic support.
“Parent carers are under constant scrutiny,” she explained. “If they fight for their child, they’re told they’re pushy. If they don’t, they’re accused of neglect. These battles go on day in, day out, for years. It’s not surprising so many parents reach a point where death feels like the only way out.”
Carers’ Voices on Screen
Though fictional, the film is grounded in the lived experiences of real carers who shared their stories with Beghal. It portrays their resilience, love, and daily struggles and ends with a plea to government to “throw the lifeboat” to families who are drowning.
Beghal said: “Parent carers trusted me with their stories. My responsibility was to honour them with honesty and integrity. Their voices are rarely heard, yet they carry extraordinary strength and love alongside enormous challenges.”
Call for Urgent Action
To coincide with the film’s release, the University of Birmingham is encouraging members of the public to write to MPs, calling for:
- The recognition of unpaid carers in England’s suicide prevention strategy.
- A new National Carers Strategy, with a focus on reducing suicide risk.
- Increased investment in health, social care, and SEND services.
- Honest conversations about the realities families face.
Currently, carers are not recognised in England’s suicide prevention strategy, and many have never received an assessment of their needs under the Care Act 2014.
The film is being launched at a Liberal Democrat conference event, with party leader Ed Davey himself a carer backing greater recognition and reform.
Dr O’Dwyer hopes the project will make policymakers stop and listen:
“Research can be hard to connect with, but film speaks to the heart. Every MP and Lord should watch this and remember the decisions they make directly affect families across the UK.”
The film is available now on the University of Birmingham website.
Carers in crisis can call The Samaritans on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258 for support.
