Untypical Parent

Liz Evans

Welcome to The Untypical Parent™ Podcast, a place for parents in neurodivergent, SEN and additional needs families. Here we talk about the messy and the sparkles, share ideas you can actually use, and give you space to take what might work and leave what doesn’t.

Hosted by me, Liz Evans — The Untypical OT, a dyslexic, solo parent in a neurodiverse family, this show explores everything from parental burnout and sensory needs to dyslexia, ADHD, and chronic illness. You’ll hear from experts and parents alike, sharing tips and stories to help you create a family life that works for you, because every family is unique and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to families.

If you’ve ever felt that “typical” parenting advice doesn’t fit your world, this is your place for connection, practical tools, and encouragement without the judgment.

Welcome to your backup team. We’ve been expecting you.

Episode

Content note: This episode contains conversation about suicide. Please look after yourself when listening.

This episode is a special one.

It’s part of Podcasthon 2026, where podcasters come together to raise awareness for charities that matter. For me, this one is personal.

In this conversation, I’m joined by Ged Flynn CEO from Papyrus, a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide in young people.

We talk openly about suicide. Gently. Honestly. Without drama. Without sensationalising it. But without avoiding it either.

If you are a parent who has ever heard your child say the words that is every parents worst nightmare, “I don’t want to be here anymore,” this episode is for you.

We talk about:

The myths that stop us talking about suicide

Why talking about it does not “put the idea in someone’s head”

The impact on parents and family members

The difference between mental illness and suicidal thoughts

Why neurodivergent young people can be at higher risk

What actually happens when you call Hopeline247

And something we don’t say enough to parents during these times…

I also share a little of my own family’s experience, and why Papyrus became a lifeline for us when we needed them.

If you take one thing from this episode, please, please let it be this:

You do not have to do this alone. Reach out.

We never know what could be going on for families behind closed doors. By sharing this episode wherever you can, you might just help someone who needs to see it today.

If you need support

Papyrus runs Hopeline247, a confidential support service for young people under 35 who are struggling with suicidal thoughts, and for parents or carers who are worried about a young person.

📞 Call: 0800 068 4141

📱 Text: 07860 039967

🌐 www.papyrus-uk.org

(Available 24/7)

If you’re outside the UK, please look for a local suicide prevention helpline in your country.

Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn

You can also find Ged on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ged-flynn-394273b/

If you would like to donate to Papyrus so they can continue to be the lifeline that families need you can do so here

Untypical Parent

51 min

How We Can Prevent Suicide in Young People: A Conversation with Papyrus

Papyrus UK

The charity and its cause

Papyrus UK

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. HOPELINE247, is staffed by trained suicide prevention advisers, who work with young people – and anybody concerned for a young person – to help keep them safe from suicide. HOPELINE247 is a free and confidential call, text and email service, which is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. PAPYRUS was founded in 1997 by a group of bereaved parents, who had each lost children to suicide. Our founding parents shared core beliefs that suicide is preventable, and that those of us with lived experience of suicide have a valuable and unique contribution to make to the wider conversation around suicide.

Visit the website Make a donation