Support for Carers
Caring for someone who has been diagnosed with an eating disorder can feel overwhelming and exhausting. It's important you have your own support network and coping mechanisms.
Services for Carers
Beat does not just support those who have or think they might have eating disorders. We are here for anyone affected by an eating disorder. If someone you know is suffering, and you’re supporting them in any capacity, our services are available to you as well.
Talk to Beat
Our free, confidential Helplines are for anyone affected by an eating disorder. They’re open 365 days a year from 12pm – 8pm on weekdays and 4pm – 8pm weekends and bank holidays. Our trained advisors will listen without judgement and offer you guidance and support.
Helpline: 0808 801 0677 | help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Youthline: 0808 801 0711 | fyp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Studentline: 0808 801 0811 | student@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
You can also access our one-to-one web chat as part of our helpline service.
Peer support
We’re pleased to announce we’re now running two support groups a week for anyone supporting someone with an eating disorder. The Aviary runs Tuesdays and Sundays from 7pm – 8.15pm. These moderated chats are free and anonymous, allowing you to get peer support from others who have similar experiences to you. You can attend as often as you’d like, with no pressure to attend every time. You can find out more about the Aviary here.
Echo - our support network
In select areas, we offer a free peer coaching service, Echo, for anyone supporting someone with an eating disorder. You’ll be paired up with someone else who’s previously cared for someone with an eating disorder. 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.
Due to funding, we are not yet able to offer Echo nationwide; however, we hope to do so in the future, so please do register your interest even if Echo is not currently available in your area.
Increase your knowledge
Our training course for those caring for a loved one with anorexia or bulimia provides you with a better understanding of eating disorders, as well as ways to help your loved one on the path to recovery and tips for looking after yourself. We run Developing Dolphins at locations across the country – you can find out more here.
We are currently developing a course for those caring for someone with binge eating disorder – please keep an eye on our training pages.