Carers
Following the merge of EDA and TEIC in October 2018, EDQ has been proud to offer a range of support services for family members and carers who are supporting a loved one. During 2018-2019, the Family and Carer Team have supported 1212 carers across a range of support services including individual coaching; skills based workshops; carer connect support groups; and community education programs.
Carer Connect Support Group
Skills Based Training
This support group for family members and carers is facilitated by two Family and Carer coaches in a relaxed and supportive environment. The Group has been running once a month in the evening from 6:30-8:30pm, with a different theme/topic each month. EDQ Coaches provide information relevant to the monthly topic and facilitate group participants to connect with each other, share their experiences, ask questions or listen to others. The Group is carer focused and is an opportunity for carers to feel more connected, informed and less isolated.
Our long-running 1-day Fostering Recovery Skills Based Workshop is open to family members and carers across Queensland. The workshop is based on the evidence informed work of Professor Janet Treasure, which focuses on a collaborative approach to supporting a loved one. The workshop aims to:
Between March and June 2019 there were 4 Carer Connect Support Groups, with a total of 28 participants (with an average of 7 carers per group). Carers provide meaningful feedback via evaluation forms about what they have found beneficial and this input is used each month to inform future groups. In the next financial year we plan to invite guest speakers, including a carer speaker and an individual who has been through their own recovery journey to share their experiences and wisdom.
• Support family members and carers in deepening their understanding of eating disorders • Identify collaborative ways to support loved ones with recovery • Understand carer emotional and behavioural responses • Understand stages of recovery • Communicate strategies and meal support strategies
During the past year we have run 4 Fostering Recovery Workshops and supported 49 participants.
“Hearing other carers experiences and the breadth of information available” “Opportunities to reflect and listen” “Being with others who understand” “Openness of the participants and quality and delivery of the material covered”
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Eating Disorders Queensland
