Support for families and friends

Here you’ll find a list of charities, support groups, helplines, and books that may help if someone you care about has an eating disorder.

Information and helplines

Keeping safe podcasts

Podcasts with advice for families and friends of people with eating disorders.

Listen to the podcasts here.

FEAST

A charity with great resources for families supporting a loved one with an eating disorder.

Visit FEAST’s website.

Wiltshire carers

Offers one-to-one assessments for carers, befriending services, days out, free training, and support groups. They also provide specialist support for young carers (under 18) and military families.

Helpline: 0800 181 4118

Visit Wiltshire Carers

Visit Swindon Carers

Support meetings

Friends and Family Meetings

These meetings provide support for family and friends of people with eating disorders.

When: Monthly, third Saturday of the month, online via Microsoft Teams
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Facilitated by a family therapist and nurses, with input from other specialists. Families can join even if the patient is no longer receiving treatment.

Email: wceds@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk

Digital resources

Eating Disorder Support App

Find helpful information and resources for managing life with an eating disorder.

Download the app here.

Beat carers’ forums

Online forums for carers to connect and share experiences.

Visit Beat’s website.

The New Maudsley Approach

A toolkit for parents and carers to help them support someone with an eating disorder.

Explore resources here.

Royal College of Psychiatrists

Accessible information on eating disorders and mental health.

Read more here.

Support for carers

I Care, You Care webpages

Information, advice, and resources for carers.

Visit Oxford Health NHS carers webpages.

Directgov

Information for carers, including support services, carers’ rights, and allowances.

Visit Directgov’s website.

Carers UK

Expert advice, support, and a telephone helpline for carers.

Helpline: 0808 808 7777 (Mon & Tue, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm)
Email: advice@carersuk.org

Visit Carers UK’s website.

Al-Anon

Support for anyone affected by someone else’s drinking.

Helpline: 0800 0086 811 (10:00 am – 10:00 pm, daily)

Visit Al-Anon’s website.

Recommended books

Skills-Based Learning for Caring for a Loved One with an Eating Disorder

Authors: Janet Treasure, Gráinne Smith, and Anna Crane

This book uses a dolphin analogy to help carers guide their loved ones gently.

Decoding Anorexia

Author: Carrie Arnold

Explains the biological side of anorexia, combined with personal stories.

ED Says U Said: Eating Disorder Translator

Authors: June Alexander and Cate Sangster

Helps carers understand the internal dialogue of someone with an eating disorder.