Caring for a loved one with an eating disorder can be an isolating and at times overwhelming experience. Our courses for carers (parents, grandparents, partners and other loved ones in caring roles) provide a structured space for practical skills-building amongst peers who understand the journey.

Courses are structured around weekly themes, so you always know what you’ll be discussing. We offer two options for carers:

• UPSKILL – suitable for families and carers who are currently utilising a family-led refeeding (or FBT/Maudsley) approach for their child and need skills and support to manage this process. This course aims to upskill carers with practical tools to best support the person they care for.
• RENEW – suitable for families/carers who are not currently participating in family-led refeeding and whose loved one has been unwell for an extended period of time and may be experiencing other challenges to their recovery.

Who is the course suitable for? 

This course is suitable for families and carers who are currently utilising a family-led refeeding (or FBT/Maudsley) approach for their child.  This course aims to upskill carers with practical tools to best support the person they care for.

 What does the course involve? 

The UPSKILL course runs for 6-weeks and is designed to provide skills training for families and carers who are playing an active role in refeeding their child.  

Our weekly themes are:

• Meal Support
• The Role of the Carer
• Managing Distress
• Managing Eating Disorder Behaviours
• Boundary Setting
• Managing the Impact of an Eating Disorder

The UPSKILL course runs weekly.   In addition to building practical skills, there will be space for sharing within the group, supported by facilitators who also have lived experience caring for a loved one with an eating disorder.

 Do I have to attend to all six weeks of the course? 

We encourage you to attend all six weeks in order to build a sense of community with other participants.

 How much does it cost? 

The Upskill course is FREE to attend and open to residents of Victoria 

Who is the course suitable for?

The RENEW course is suitable for families/carers who are not currently participating in family-led refeeding and whose loved one has been unwell for an extended period of time. They may be experiencing other challenges to their recovery and may or may not be living with you.

If the person you care for is under 16 and you are doing family led refeeding, please consider joining our UPSKILL course.

What does the course involve? 

The RENEW course runs for 4-weeks and involves skills-based learning. Together we will think about how to support your loved one, even though you may not currently be taking an active role in their re-nourishing.  Our weekly themes are:

• Carer Agency
• Stages of Change
• Boundary Setting
• Scaffolding (encouraging you to stay connected to your loved one in the areas of their life you can have influence)

The RENEW course runs weekly with a set topic each week, over a rolling four week period.  Following the presentation on the weekly topic there will be space for shared learning amongst the group, supported by facilitators who also have lived experience caring for a loved one with an eating disorder. 

Do I have to attend to all four weeks of the course?

We encourage you to attend all four weeks in order to build a sense of community with other participants.

How much does it cost?

The Renew course is free to attend and open to residents of Victoria.

If our Carer Courses aren’t suitable for you, please explore the other support options that EDV has on offer.

EDV offer a range of programs and resources for carers, families and loved ones, including:

• EDV Hub – free, confidential information, service system navigation and support
• Telehealth Counselling: Carers – Up to five free 30-45 minute sessions with a trained mental health worker, to help carers talk through and manage their carer role and own wellbeing. 
• Telehealth Nurse – free service to assist carers with accessing treatment for a loved one, locating specialised eating disorder services and health professionals and provide information and support to help people work towards recovery. 
• Carer resources page on our website – includes links to factsheets, videos and other support services
• Carer workshops – EDV runs workshops for carers, focused on wellbeing, coping strategies, and problem solving skills. Please contact the EDV education team at education@eatingdisorders.org.au for more information.

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Our Carer Newsletter is written by carers, for carers. Each newsletter addresses common challenges faced by those who play a caring role and provides practical strategies and tips to manage them.