Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2020

Regional eating disorders service highlights importance of supporting carers

Eating Disorders Awareness Week #EDAW puts eating disorders on the agenda by raising awareness, challenging stigma and tackling stereotypes. Organisations across the country are hoping to show that eating disorders don’t discriminate and can affect anyone.

It is estimated that 1.25 million people in the UK are living with an eating disorder. But eating disorders don’t only affect those diagnosed. They can be felt far more widely and seeing a loved one battle an eating disorder can be particularly hard for families.

CONNECT is a specialist eating disorders service that provides treatment for adults with eating disorders across the West Yorkshire and Harrogate region. CONNECT recognises how hard it is to see a loved one suffering and want to help carers as much as possible while their loved one is in treatment.

If you or someone you know are affected by an eating disorder you can find out more about the service by visiting the CONNECT website page.

You can also find us on Twitter @LYPFT_CONNECT and Instagram @lypft_connect where we build awareness about eating disorders and reach out to people, highlighting the importance of early intervention.

Service user and carer stories

Here are two short films – one from Abbie and the other from her sister Nicola about what it’s like to live with an eating disorder and how the CONNECT service has helped.

Abbie’s story

In this video message, Abbie speaks openly about the moment she realised she needed extra support. She shares her experiences of the CONNECT service and how her feelings on group therapy changed during her time there.

Abbie said: “Looking back, I can understand why I was scared [about group therapy] but having now been through it, it’s really not scary at all. The people you meet are really nice. You almost have to feel the fear and do it anyway!”

Nicola is Abbie’s sister. In the following film, she looks at things from a sibling’s perspective and explains how receiving family therapy at CONNECT helped.

A carer’s perspective

What’s it like to be the carer of someone with an eating disorder?

Find out more in this account written by the carer of one of our former service users. You can also read our carers information booklet.

Here are some thoughts from carers:

“On the day my daughter walked out of her initial assessment session with CONNECT at Seacroft Hospital, I breathed deeply and felt that our family were no longer alone. Our beloved daughter had a chance to be safe. Battling against the firm hold of an eating disorder with no knowledge, understanding or strategies is a lonely business. It had also been ineffective. After we had asked our daughter about her eating, her illness had got worse; after starting to have regular weigh-ins at our GP surgery, her illness had got worse. She couldn’t help what was happening to her; she needed a lifeline. She got one, and so did we. Their patients are legally adults, but CONNECT want carers involved. The family session with her therapist was hard, but allowed our daughter to tell us what she needed. We could start the difficult process of learning to trust her again” Karen, parent

“Having a loved one treated by CONNECT is traumatic for all, especially when you are worried, scared and anxious about what will happen. Our daughter has had in-patient and out-patient treatment. At all times, despite my often emotional and sometimes irrational responses to her treatment, we’ve been treated with respect, understanding and compassion. Despite the need to respect our daughter’s confidentiality, with her knowledge and permission we’ve been included and encouraged to be part of her treatment and care plans. Staff are available to talk and offer advice or support. Opportunities to learn more about eating disorders are helped by workshop days and a monthly Carers’ Group. The Carers’ Group has proved a god send, helping me cope with my feelings, see our situation is similar to others and has provided valuable information, insight, understanding and friendship” Connie, parent

Carer’s Support Group

A well-established group runs on the first Wednesday of every month at The Newsam Centre from 7pm to 8.30pm. It is open to anyone who has a loved one with an eating disorder – whether or not they are accessing treatment.

Read about the next event on our website.

Carer Workshops

A day of conversation, workshops and presentations to enable carers to feel supported, cared for, educated and equipped as they move forward with caring for a loved one with an eating disorder. The workshop days will be facilitated by therapists, nurses, psychologists and peer support workers from CONNECT.

Rimani House, Halifax
Saturday 16th May, 10am-4pm
Saturday 14th November, 10am-4pm

The Old Fire Station, Leeds
Saturday 4th April, 10am-4pm
Saturday 17th October, 10am-4pm

Here is some of the feedback from the 2019 workshop days about what carers enjoyed most and will remember:

“To know that as parents we are not alone. It has encouraged me to work harder to support our daughter.”

“Meeting so many people in the same situation and learning how to communicate better with a loved one.”

“Hearing how other carers cope.”

“You created a safe, sharing atmosphere from the start and shared strategies that helped.”

View the next event on our website which includes a link to download a leaflet about the 2020 workshops and how to book a place.

Carer Involvement Group

A new group is being developed at the Trust which involves carers in developing the CONNECT service for the benefit of future service users and carers.

Where can I get help?

If you think you need help or someone you know needs help for an eating disorder, please approach your GP in the first instance.

The national eating disorders charity Beat can also help. They have helplines and online support groups to give people a place to feel listened to and supported.

Adults can call 0808 801 0677

Younger people can call their Youthline on 0808 801 0711

Their helplines are open 365 days a year from 3pm to 10pm. Find out more about Beat at www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk.