Shoulder to Shoulder by With-you
Welcome to Shoulder to Shoulder
Shoulder to Shoulder is a podcast about the power of peer support and lived experience, and what happens when people who've been through tough times use that experience to help others.
But what is peer support? It's simple: people who've faced their own challenges offer understanding, connection, and hope to others going through similar challenges. That's the meaning of peer support, and it's at the heart of everything we do.
In a world that can make us feel alone when we're struggling, this podcast is a reminder that connection changes everything.
I'm Cate Munro, and each episode I talk with people who've faced real challenges - mental health struggles, addiction, trauma, grief, life-changing moments - and who now stand shoulder to shoulder with others on their own journeys.
My guests include peer support workers, people running peer support groups, and individuals whose lived experience has become their greatest strength.
They share their stories honestly: what happened, what helped, and how peer support made a difference.
Whether you're a peer support worker, thinking about becoming one, part of a peer support group, or simply believe in the power of human connection and shared experience, there's something here for you.
Before you listen: This podcast explores personal stories of growth, mental health and resilience. Some episodes include descriptions of trauma and distress. Please trust your instincts and look after yourself - it's always okay to pause or come back another time.
Thank you for being here.
Find out more about With-you Consultancy at www.with-you.co.uk
Shoulder to Shoulder by With-you
EP 32: Debbie Frances on carers, suicide prevention, and the power of peer support
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Debbie 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 life
Why carers’ experiences are vital in suicide prevention
What Stronger Together offers and why peer spaces matter
The pressure carers carry, and the relief of talking to someone who understands
The biggest gaps in how services involve families
Lessons from Debbie’s international Churchill Fellowship
Practical advice for carers feeling overwhelmed
What 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.uk
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
With-you consultancy: www.with-you.co.uk