Carer Film "More than a Parent" Out Now 🫂

University of Birmingham have just released a new short film which features my original score. More than a Parent was written and directed by Bhulla Beghal of BlueBell films, commissioned by Dr Siobhan O’Dwyer at the University of Birmingham and is inspired by Dr O’Dwyer’s groundbreaking research into suicide risk among parent carers of disabled children. The research found that 41% of parents caring for a child with a disability or long-term illness have thought about suicide, and less than half have every told anyone. For those who do speak up, the response is often unhelpful. The issue is not parenting a disabled or seriously ill child, it’s the constant struggle to care for that child within a system that’s no longer fit for purpose. Watch the film below:

Parent carers face immense pressure, often feeling invisible while balancing love for their children with exhaustion, isolation, and endless battles for support. ‘More than a parent’ gives voice to those hidden struggles, shining a light on what’s at stake if policy doesn’t change. The film aims to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and inspire action from both the public and politicians to create meaningful change.

I'm so proud to have been a part of this vital piece of work which was screened at the Liberal Democrat Party Conference and has been covered in the Big Issue. I hope the film resonates with you and more widely opens up conversations about this vital and unrecognised issue.