AEDS

AEDS

Information for carers

As a service we refer to parents, step-parents, children, siblings, partners, other family members and friends as 'carers', even though you may not feel that you are a carer. We see carers as anyone who provides help and support to someone with an eating disorder.

You may see the person every day or less often. You may or may not live with them. What we know is that carers can provide invaluable help and support during recovery from an eating disorder. 

Family, friends and carer's information pack.pdf 690KB

Carers' Support Group 

The Cambridge Adult Eating Disorder Service provides a Carer Support Group twice a month:

  • 2nd Tuesday of the month: 18.30 - 20.30, presentation and support group discussion
  • 4th Tuesday of the month: 16.30 - 18.00, support group discussion

The group is facilitated by an experienced carer and supported by a member of staff. The group discusses its concerns and successes. Numbers have varied between 10 and 20, so there is always a chance for everyone to ask about their own particular issues. A summary of the conversation is sent round so that if people miss a session they still receive the main points.

Previous topics have included communication, compassion, problem solving, boundaries, meal support and body image, including how to model positive body image, motivation, eating disorders and the role of the carer, encouraging independence, mindfulness, medical questions and answers, stress strain and developing resilience as a carer.

For the smooth running of the group, it is preferred if individuals arrive at the beginning of the meeting. However, due to carer's commitments, we understand that this might not always be possible. The group facilitators would welcome prior knowledge if an individual is going to be late to ensure that we are expecting you and can welcome you. A message can be left with reception before 5pm on 01223 596201. We would recommend that members, wherever possible, stay until the end of the group.

Ground rules

We suggest the following ground rules to help the group feel like a safe and supportive environment for all that attend:

  • We ask that group members speak one at a time so that everyone can be heard.
  • It is accepted by the group that having a loved one with an eating disorder is very stressful and challenging.
  • We ask that everyone respects each other's views, even if they do not share them.
  • Confidentiality amongst group members is respected and this extends to the individuals they are caring for. Names may be used but not shared with those outside the group.

We suggest taking a look at some useful information and literature in our resources section below, and you can find further advice here. The workbook and podcast have been written and recorded by experienced family members of a loved one with an eating disorder. You can download the workbook before following the link to listen to the podcast. We hope it will help you in your role as someone who cares for or provides support to a person close to you with an eating disorder. 

Resources

Useful reading

We would recommend the following texts as useful reading in learning how to care for a loved one with an eating disorder: 

  • Skills-Based Learning For Caring For A Loved One With An Eating Disorder: The New Maudsley Method by J. Treasure, G. Smith & A. Crane

  • Anorexia Nervosa: A Survival Guide For Families, Friends & Sufferers by J. Treasure

  • Beating Your Eating Disorder: A Cognitive-Behavioural Self-Help Guide for Adult Sufferers and their Carers by G. Waller & V. Mountford