Workshops for family and friends supporting someone with a long term eating disorder (formerly Harnessing Hope)

This workshop is designed specifically for those supporting someone with a long-term eating disorder (one that has been consistently present for five or more years).

Delivered over five weeks by an experienced eating disorder clinician, you will learn more about the impact of long-term eating disorders, as well as the tools and skills needed to support your loved one’s recovery.

Who is the workshop for?

The workshop is for you if:

• The person you’re supporting has had an eating disorder consistently for five years or more
• They are aged 18 or above
• and have a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder

How much time will I need to commit?

There are five weekly sessions in total. Each session will last for two and a half hours.

We run a mixture of day-time and evening workshops so you can pick a time of day that suits you best.

What will I learn in this workshop?

There will be a focus throughout the sessions on your self-care. We know the mental, and often physical, toll supporting a partner, friend or family member with an enduring eating disorder can take, so we want to make sure you prioritise taking time out to look after yourself too.

Topics covered include:

• Developing and maintaining hope
• The impacts of starvation
• Functions of an eating disorder
• Accommodating & Enabling behaviours
• Caring from a distance
• Coping with setbacks
• Finding balance

Where are the workshops available?

They are currently available for self-referral across the whole of Scotland, and Wales. You can self refer via our form.

If you are currently under an eating disorder team in Suffolk or Kent, you may be eligible for a clinical referral. Please speak to your team to enquire.

If you are based elsewhere, our Eating Disorder Support Hub for Families and Friends (formerly POD) 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 the HelpFinder tool to see what is available in your area.