The Beacon
The Beacon provides intensive day treatment for young people aged between 13 and 18 years old who have been diagnosed with an eating disorder. 
The service offers intensive interventions for young people while they continue to maintain connections with their support network such as friends, community mental health teams and their school provision.
As a young person coming to The Beacon you may already have been receiving treatment in the community and your care providers may have recommended an enhanced package of care.
You may be in a hospital and it is felt that with intensive support you could remain at home with your family while starting treatment.
You may be in a specialist hospital and ready to take the next step towards community care.
What happens at The Beacon?
The Beacon offers evidence-based treatment to promote recovery, reduce relapse, and improve long-term outcomes.
Each young person will have a bespoke care plan that supports them to achieve their goals.
Attendance is initially expected to be four days per week for six weeks, and we will review this weekly with the young person and their family.
Young people will have two snacks and one meal each day at The Beacon.
Staff will be available for support, along with a dietitian, to ensure the young person is receiving the right nutrition.
Parents and carers
Working closely with families leads to more positive outcomes for young people.
There is an expectation that family members will make a commitment while their relative is receiving care at The Beacon.
This includes:
- Bringing patients to the service and collecting them four times a week.
- Attending short meetings with staff in the mornings and afternoons.
- Attending family appointments and teatment reviews.
- Attending a parent/carer group once a week.
Therapies
The psychologist and occupational therapists can offer individual assessment and treatment in addition to leading groups you will attend.
The Beacon team will work closely with you and your family. You will have a named worker who will be with you every step of the way to support you and listen to any worries or concerns you may have, as well as champion and advocate for you when reviewing your goals and care.
Our family therapist is available to work with you, your parents or carers and, if appropriate, your siblings.
Referrals
Referrals to The Beacon are sent via the East of England Provider Collaborative.
A young person's care provider will discuss with them why The Beacon is an option for intensive treatment.
Meet the team
The Beacon team consists of:
- A psychiatrist
- A psychologist
- An assistant psychologist
- A family therapist
- Occupational therapists
- Nurses and nursing support staff
- A dietitian
- A chef
Education
We know that it can be hard taking time out of school.
Each day you are at The Beacon, there will be school staff to support you with your studies.
These staff will liaise with your school and organise when it is appropriate for you to attend.