Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, will provide free training for Edinburgh-based parents and carers of people with eating disorders to help support them over the Christmas period.Coping with Christmas is an interactive one-day course, designed for those who have been caring for someone with anorexia, bulimia and/or binge eating disorder for less than five years.
The training will empower carers and equip them with the skills to support someone with an eating disorder over the festive period, so that they feel more in control and less overwhelmed. Alongside the training, carers will also hear from other families affected by eating disorders who have been in similar situations.
An estimated 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder. These illnesses cost families an average of £32,672 a year in travel expenses, lost income and other costs – as well as the immense emotional impact that goes alongside.
Colleen Rowley-Smith, Training Manager at Beat, said, ‘Christmas time can cause a lot of anxiety for people with eating disorders and their families as it is such a social occasion. It’s easy to feel “on show” and the extra pressure can sometimes lead to an unpleasant experience.
“This course was developed after receiving feedback from carers that they need a little extra support during the festive season, and we hope to provide them with the skills to make Christmas easier for all.’
The course will be held on Saturday 30th November at Edinburgh Training and Conference Centre, 9:30am–4.30pm (lunch included).
Places are limited and a refundable £10 deposit is needed to secure a place, which will be returned upon attendance.
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