We know the value that support from family and friends can have for a person during recovery from an eating disorder.
We offer family therapy to all inpatients, day patients and outpatients. There is the flexibility to link these sessions with other therapeutic sessions (such as family meals) for families travelling long distances.
Families and friends are encouraged to be involved in ward rounds and Care Programme Approach meetings, in person or via conference call, if necessary.
Visiting and contact with family and friends
As a service we try to support regular contact between patients and their loved ones and do our best to accommodate visits at times that suit visitors. When travelling time and distance are significant, it is particularly important to plan visits to maximise opportunities for involvement in treatment as well as social contact. We have Skype facilities available for patients to use between visits.
Information sheets
We also offer a fortnightly Friends and Family Support Group and regular skills-based workshops for patients' families and friends:
Skills-based workshops for family members, partners, and friends
We offer a one day skills training workshop to provide carers with practical advice and support.
These workshops will offer you skills such as:
- Dealing with challenging behaviour
- Communication skills
- Avoiding traps that may maintain the disorder
- Supporting recovery
- How to look after your own well-being
Please contact the service for the next date.
Quotes from attendees of previous carer workshops (family members, partners and friends)
"The workshops were excellent. They widened my views of how to care in different situations."
"Meeting other people and hearing their stories was helpful. It also put the words from the books (recommended reading) into action and meaning."
"Utterly brilliant. The facilitators were professional but human. Much appreciated."
"I learnt techniques that are applicable to many facets of life."
"I think it's a fantastic course to learn the skills necessary to support our loved ones.”
"The group has provided me with support, wisdom, challenges, encouragement and above all really the only 'safe' place where I have felt free to talk honestly and openly. […] I am not going to list all the various things I am especially grateful to you personally for as I know I have done so already and the list is incredibly long. Suffice to say you have made a massive difference to both myself and my loved one."
Could you benefit from a Carers Assessment?
Caring for a friend or loved one with an eating disorder is often challenging. Arranging a carers assessment at Vincent Square provides you with an opportunity to discuss how your role impacts upon your life and your wellbeing, as well as the personal needs you have.
A carers assessment involves meeting with a clinician from our clinic to discuss your personal needs, responsibilities and the help that you provide your friend or loved one. At the end of the assessment, you will have the opportunity to explore what additional help and support might be available to you.
If you are a carer and would like to arrange a carers assessment, please contact the assessor or therapist who is working with your friend and relative. Alternatively, please contact us directly at vincentsquareeds@nhs.net or call 020 3315 2104.