What is Parent and Carer Support?
At First Steps ED, we know that caring for someone with an eating disorder can feel overwhelming, and no two journeys are the same. That’s why we offer a range of tailored support to help parents, families, and carers feel more confident, informed, and supported throughout their loved one’s recovery.
Whether you’re looking for practical advice, emotional support, or simply a space to connect with others who understand, we’re here for you.
Our Parent and Carer support includes:
- Skill-based workshops to help you support your loved one
- Practical tips and advice from professionals and other carers
- Open-access resources like blogs and guides
- A chance to share your own experiences and learn from others
We recognise the vital role carers play in recovery, and we’re here to make sure you don’t have to face it alone.
How does Parent and Carer Support work?
Our dedicated team works closely with families and carers to offer both practical and emotional support through a range of tailored services, including:
Skills-Based Workshops: Our Skills for Carers programme is a three-week online course (delivered via Zoom), designed for anyone supporting a loved one with an eating disorder. Grounded in the New Maudsley Method, these sessions are filled with practical tools, real-life scenarios, and opportunities for peer learning.
You’ll learn how to:
- Better understand eating disorders and the recovery journey
- Recognise early signs and the stages of change
- Explore different caring styles (using our ‘Animal Analogies’)
- Improve communication and reduce conflict
- Set realistic goals and avoid unhelpful patterns like enabling or accommodating
Counselling and Psychotherapy: We offer Counselling and Psychotherapy to parents, relatives, and carers of those accessing support through First Steps ED. These sessions provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your feelings, discuss challenges, and develop strategies for self-care and supporting your loved one. No commitment is required for a certain number of sessions.
Parent and Carer drop in: Our monthly online drop-in group is a relaxed, no-pressure space for parents and carers to come together, share challenges and successes, and connect with others who truly understand what you’re going through. There’s no obligation to attend every month, just join when you can. It’s a supportive, welcoming space to feel heard and less alone.
Who is Parent and Carer Support suitable for?
- Parents, partners, and older siblings of individuals struggling with eating disorders or other mental health issues.
- Carers who are feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or uncertain about how to support their loved one during recovery.
- Families who need guidance and support as they navigate the emotional and practical challenges of caring for someone with an eating disorder.
Counselling helped me focus on ME, which doesn’t always feel possible as a parent. I found it really helpful to talk about my situation, work through some options and find ways to cope – and I learnt that a lot of what I needed was inside me already. I just needed someone to listen and draw it out. Whilst I wouldn’t have pegged myself as someone that needed therapy, I realise now that it was the best decision.
Access to our services depends on your location, some areas are funded and free to access, while others are available through our highly subsidised Private Practice.
Our Parent and Carer Counselling and Psychotherapy session fees range from £25 to £70, depending on the type of therapist and support required.
Our Skills for Carers Workshop is delivered by highly trained Specialist Support Officers and costs £45 for the three week course, which includes continuous access to our Parent and Carer Drop In.
You can find out whether our service is funded or private by contacting us. Call us: 0300 1021685|info@firststepsed.co.uk
All of our Parent and Carer Support sessions are delivered online.
Our Work is Guided by Experience
Many of our Specialist Support Officers have lived experience of eating disorders or related challenges. They bring empathy, understanding, and practical insight to every session.
We Provide a Safe Space to Share
Sessions offer a safe and confidential environment to talk about experiences, feelings, and challenges. This is your time to be heard and supported.
We Understand the Realities of Caring
Our dedicated Parents and Carers Team knows first-hand how exhausting, isolating, and overwhelming it can be to support a loved one through an eating disorder. With professional and lived experience, we offer expert guidance through workshops, support groups, and therapy , helping families find their way when they don’t know where to turn.
Important: Please note that First Steps ED services are for people with mild to moderate eating disorder and comorbid mental health issues. We do not provide a crisis or emergency service. If you need help for a mental health crisis or emergency, please visit the NHS website , contact your GP or for immediate assistance call 999.
Next steps
If you’re ready to take the first step towards recovery, please submit a referral using the button below. If you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0300 1021685 or info@firststepsed.co.uk.
We’re here to support you every step of the way. Referrals can either be made by yourself, by a parent/ carer, or professional support worker. After making a referral, we aim to make contact within 10 workings days.
