Workshops for family and friends supporting someone with an eating disorder (formerly Developing Dolphins 2)

Workshops for family and friends supporting someone with an eating disorder (formerly Developing Dolphins 2) is our free online training course for anyone caring in a personal capacity for someone with an eating disorder. Learning over the course of 8 weeks, you’ll find out more about eating disorders and gain practical skills to support your loved one towards recovery.

What does Workshops for family and friends supporting someone with an eating disorder cover?

You should finish this course with:

• An increased understanding of eating disorders and the psychology behind them
• Strategies for encouraging recovery, including motivational interviewing, collaborative goal setting, and more
• How to support your loved one at each stage of recovery and how to gently encourage change
• Tips for taking care of your own wellbeing while your loved one is recovering

Who is Workshops for family and friends supporting someone with an eating disorder for?

This course is for anyone aged 18+ and supporting a loved one with an eating disorder. This could be parents, grandparents, siblings, friends or partner. You can join one of our workshops if:

• The person you’re supporting is aged 10 or above
• They are displaying signs of a possible eating disorder (formal diagnosis is not required)
• Have had their eating disorder for less than five years

What is the format of the workshop?

The workshop runs for 8 weeks, with a weekly two-and-a-half-hour session delivered via zoom by one of our experienced eating disorder clinicians.

You will have access to an online workbook with additional activities and resources. You will also be added to an online workspace where you can reach out to your trainer and other carers on the workshop.

Where is it available?

This course is currently funded across Essex, Scotland, Sussex, Wales, and York.

If you would like to attend, please complete a self-referral form to check whether spaces are available in your area.

Self refer today

If your loved one is currently receiving support from an eating disorder service in Kent, Suffolk, Sussex or Gloucestershire you may be eligible for a clinical referral. Please speak to your care team to find out more.

If you are based elsewhere, our Eating Disorder Support Hub for Families and Friends

has information, tools and community for families and friends supporting someone with an eating disorder. You can access e-Learning, chat with our expert clinicians, watch pre-recorded webinars, and reach out to other carers in our forums. Simply create your free account today.

If you are looking for specific help local to you, please use our HelpFinder tool to see what is available in your area.