EP 32: Debbie Frances on carers, suicide prevention, and the power of peer support

Send us Fan MailDebbie brings a rare mix of lived experience, professional insight, and deep empathy to the world of suicide prevention. She became a carer at a time when support was scarce, patchy, and hard to navigate — and those early years shaped her determination to make sure other families aren’t left alone in the dark.In this conversation, Debbie talks about the emotional reality of caring for someone at risk of suicide: the fear, the responsibility, and the instinct to hold everything together without breaking. She shares how peer support connected her with other carers who “just get it,” and why the Stronger Together project has become such an anchor for people living through the same pressures.We explore what services often miss — from communication gaps to carers being excluded from decisions — and what needs to change to involve families safely, respectfully, and early. Debbie also reflects on her Churchill Fellowship research, the international models that inspired her, and how much the UK could learn from approaches that genuinely value carers as partners.And for anyone listening who feels isolated, scared or overwhelmed, Debbie offers a grounded, compassionate message: you are not alone, you are not failing, and support is out there. It’s a conversation about courage, connection, and the power of carers supporting carers. You’ll hear about:Debbie’s journey into caring — and how it reshaped her lifeWhy carers’ experiences are vital in suicide preventionWhat Stronger Together offers and why peer spaces matterThe pressure carers carry, and the relief of talking to someone who understandsThe biggest gaps in how services involve familiesLessons from Debbie’s international Churchill FellowshipPractical advice for carers feeling overwhelmedWhat gives her hope — and keeps her going Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.Show notes & resources:With-you consultancy: www.with-you.co.ukListen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.With-you consultancy: www.with-you.co.uk