Eating Disorders - support for parents whose child has an eating disorder

Care for the Family's Parent Support - Eating Disorders initiative offers support and hope to those parenting a child with an eating disorder.

This support is delivered through the expertise offered by Anorexia & Bulimia Care (ABC), a charity specialising in supporting those with an eating disorder, and offers support in two ways.

For those who first suspect that their child may have an eating disorder, it is important to understand what help is available and whether medical intervention is necessary. At this stage, you would be referred to ABC's helpline, where you can talk with someone who has a detailed understanding of what is involved and can help you decide the best course of action.

If your child already has a diagnosis and is receiving treatment for an eating disorder, then you may find it helpful to talk with another parent who has themselves supported their child through the illness to recovery. If this is your situation, you will know the fear, doubt, isolation and helplessness that accompany it. Coping with your feelings and caring for your child, while still looking after the needs of the rest of the family, can be a real challenge. Our telephone befriending service offers you the chance to share your concerns with another parent, as explained in more detail below.

For support, whatever your situation, do give us a ring on 029 2081 0800, or email mail@cff.org.uk

For more information on ABC, please click here.

Telephone befriending

For many parents, it can be really helpful to be able to talk to another parent when your child has been diagnosed with an eating disorder and is receiving or awaiting professional care.

It can be a time of confusion and uncertainty about how to best help your child at home and to support the treatment process. Whether you are a mum, a dad, a single parent or a step parent you may value support and encouragement as you help your child through their illness towards recovery. In partnership with ABC, we have established a telephone befriending service that will allow you to speak, in confidence, to another parent who has had a similar experience. This is not counselling, but an opportunity to share your story and be supported on a regular basis by someone who has walked a similar journey. They will be there for you, to listen, to empathise, to share from their own experiences if appropriate, to encourage and to give you hope for the future.

If you would like to talk about being put in touch with a befriender, do give us a ring on 029 2081 0800, or email mail@cff.org.uk

Click here to understand more about how the telephone befriending service works.

Personal stories

It can sometimes help to hear from others who have cared for a child with an eating disorder, as well as hearing from sufferers themselves about how they have felt, and how they have dealt with their eating disorder.

We hope that these stories will be an encouragement to you.

Read personal stories (on the ABC website)

Helpful articles

These articles contain practical suggestions for helping your child, your family and yourself!

Read helpful articles (on the ABC website)

Helpful Support

All of these links take you to useful information and resources on the ABC website.

• Support for Sufferers
• Support for Family & Friends
• Support groups and counsellors
• About Recovery