Research Opportunity: LGBTQ+ Carers Supporting Someone with Suicidal Thoughts
Researchers from the London School of Economics (LSE) are inviting LGBTQ+ carers and allies across England to take part in a new study exploring the experiences of people supporting loved ones living with suicidal thoughts and feelings.
The project, called “Holding All”, aims to better understand the challenges faced by unpaid adult carers – including friends, family members and partners – who support someone in LGBTQ+ communities experiencing suicidality. In the study, the carer, the person they support, or both may identify as LGBTQ+.
People in LGBTQ+ communities can face a higher risk of suicidal thoughts due to factors such as discrimination, stigma and social isolation. However, very little research has explored the experiences of those providing care and support in these situations. This study aims to learn more about carers’ experiences, how they cope, and what support they may need but are not currently receiving.
The research will involve interviews with 30–40 carers, with some participants also invited to keep short diaries about their caring role and the support they receive. The findings will help inform future suicide prevention policies and mental health social care support for unpaid carers.
To thank participants for their time, gift vouchers will be provided.
Who can take part?
Researchers would like to hear from adults (18+) in England who:
- Speak English or British Sign Language (BSL)
- Have experience supporting someone at risk of suicide
- Identify as LGBTQ+, care for someone who identifies as LGBTQ+, or both
Participants should not have recently been bereaved by suicide and should not currently be experiencing suicidal thoughts themselves.
Get involved
If you would like to find out more or take part in the study, you can contact the research team:
Jessica Carlisle – Principal Investigator
📧 J.Carlisle@lse.ac.uk
📞 0207 106 1420 (voicemail)
More information about the project is available here:
https://www.lse.ac.uk/cpec/research/projects/unpaid-care/Holding-all The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and delivered in collaboration with Derbyshire LGBT+.
