Be Strong for Them, Be Weak to Us
Talk About It Limited launches initiative to help caregivers for cancer patients
Published:Wednesday | September 3, 2025 | 12:06 AM
CAREGIVERS FOR cancer patients provide a vital support role, assisting with medical, practical, and emotional needs, and often acting as the main link to healthcare providers. This demanding role can lead to significant physical and emotional stress, caregiver burnout, and feelings of isolation.
Caregivers need their own support system, including resources, practical help, and time for self-care, to manage the challenges of caring for a loved one with cancer.
Talk About It Limited has launched an initiative called ‘Be Strong for Them, Be Weak to Us,’ a community service programme dedicated to supporting spouses of persons diagnosed with prostate and breast cancer.
According to Suzette Faulknor, chief executive officer, and the director of community service at Talk About It Limited, they recognised that while much attention is given to individuals diagnosed with cancer during their journey, their spouses often suffer in silence.
“They shoulder the emotional, physical, and financial weight of care, yet their struggles are frequently overlooked. Talk About It Limited decided to bridge this gap by creating a safe and supportive space where spouses can share their challenges, find strength, and receive the professional help they need,” Faulknor said.
Spouses commonly experience, she said, emotional strain such as stress, anxiety, and depression, physical exhaustion from long hours of care and sleepless nights, financial pressure due to medical costs and reduced work capacity, isolation and neglect of self-care, as their focus remains solely on their partner and secondary trauma from witnessing the pain and struggles of their loved one.
“‘Be Strong for Them, Be Weak to Us’ provides spouses with free counselling, emotional support, and spiritual care to help them navigate their challenges. We create safe spaces for them to express their vulnerabilities, receive professional guidance, and access coping tools. Through one-on-one sessions, group debriefings, and peer support, spouses are empowered to care for themselves while continuing to support their partners,” Faulknor said.
The initiative she said is ongoing, with no fixed end date, as the needs of spouses are continuous.
“Our primary partner is the Jamaica Cancer Society, as we share a mutual commitment to ensuring that individuals battling cancer receive the best possible opportunities for care and support, while also promoting preventative measures to reduce the impact of the disease,” Faulknor said.
In addition, they have partnered with licensed therapists, ordained ministers, and cancer survivors who have volunteered their time to offer the needed psychosocial support.
“It always takes cash to care, and we are grateful to our family, friends, and corporate partners for their financial support. These partnerships provide us with expertise, credibility, and extended reach, while strengthening Talk About It Limited’s mission of making mental health and emotional support accessible to all,” Faulknor said.
Talk About It Limited was officially launched in March at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel. The company was established to revolutionise access to mental health and wholistic wellness services by placing professional help directly in the hands of individuals through a mobile app (available on Android and iOS).
The platform integrates mental health support with services in nutrition, finance, and is exploring medical and pharmaceutical partnerships, making it a one-stop shop for well-being.
“Since its launch, Talk About It has received strong interest, positive feedback, and a growing clientèle from the public, faith-based organisations, and professional partners. The Talk About It app has been downloaded daily, ranging from five to as many as 30 downloads per day, from users in Jamaica, the United States, and Canada,” Faulknor said.
“The launch also sparked requests from organisations seeking sustainable mental wellness support for their employees. Overall, the feedback has affirmed the urgent need and relevance of the service,” she added.
Accessing the service is simple by visiting their website at talkaboutitltd.com. Alternatively, send a direct message (DM) with the words ‘I need support’ on any of their social media platforms @talkaboutitltd.
They also accept referrals from hospitals, churches, corporate Jamaica, and cancer support organisations, which can be sent to letstalk@talkaboutitltd.com