Caring for someone with an eating disorder can be difficult and lonely. It can be hard to find someone who understands what you’re going through, and you might be worried about how to give the best care to your loved one. Throughout their illness, it’s essential that you take care of your own wellbeing, too.
That’s why Beat is now offering Echo peer coaching, a free and confidential telephone-based service for anyone caring for someone with an eating disorder that gives you the chance to speak to someone who’s been there. Echo is currently running in Sussex, North West and Scotland. We intend to begin the programme in other areas of the UK in future.
It is my lifeline… my Echo coach is the only person who has an understanding in this horrifically difficult situation.Parent
Echo is:
If you join the Echo peer support service, you’ll have a 30-minute conversation each week for six months with a trained peer coach. Beat will match you with a person with similar experiences to ensure that you’re able to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through.
Echo coaches have their own experience of caring for a loved one and coming out the other side. Through weekly 30-minute phone conversations, they’ll give you a space where you feel understood, while empowering you to make the most positive impact possible on your loved one’s recovery.
Peer coaching is about trust, support, and mutual learning. The intention isn’t for the coach to give advice, but to listen, provide a sounding board, and encourage the person they’re supporting to decide on solutions themselves.
I knew I didn't have the answers to all my carer's problems, but I hoped that in some small way I made a difference just by being there and listening.Echo coach
For more information, get in touch at echo@beateatingdisorders.org.uk. If you'd like to volunteer as an Echo Coach, please click here.