Developing Dolphins 2

Developing Dolphins 2 is our new and improved 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. This course replaces the original Developing Dolphins course.

What does Developing Dolphins 2 cover?

You should finish Developing Dolphins 2 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 Developing Dolphins 2 for?

Developing Dolphins 2 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 your loved one:

• Is aged 10 or above
• Is displaying signs of a possible eating disorder (formal diagnosis is not required)
• Has 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?

Developing Dolphins 2 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 Here

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 (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 our HelpFinder tool to see what is available in your area.