Being a carer for someone living with an eating disorder can often be an exhausting, distressing and isolating experience. At EDV, we believe it is vitally important that carers and loved ones have access to specialised support services.

This page details the range of free and low-cost support services EDV offers carers to help you get the information, resources and support you need.

EDV’s services are informed by the lived experience of people who have experienced eating disorders and those that have cared for them. Many of our staff, volunteers and board members have lived experience of eating disorders. We aim to provide empathetic and helpful support in everything that we do. Our range of services cover the breadth of the eating disorder journey, from first diagnosis to recovery, relapse and maintenance.

Eating Disorders Victoria acknowledges that carers can be anyone – parents, partners, siblings, children, in-laws, close friends etc.

The Carer Coaching Program is an 8-week, 1:1 online coaching program for families with a young person who has been newly diagnosed with a restrictive eating disorder.

Developed in response to the spike in eating disorder presentations in young people (under 19) during COVID-19, the Carer Coaching Program offers primary carer givers the opportunity to receive coaching from EDV Carer Coaches while they await formal treatment. EDV’s Carer Coaches have their own lived experience of caring for someone with an eating disorder, and bring a wealth of experience from their peer support experience with other families.

To learn more about the program, the eligibility requirements and how to apply, please follow the link below.

EDV’s Carer Courses are designed to support carers (parents, grandparents, partners and other loved ones in caring roles) in a practical way.

Courses are structured around weekly topics, so you always know what you’ll be discussing. We offer two courses for carers:

• UPSKILL – 6-week course suitable for families and carers who are currently utilising a family-led refeeding (or FBT/Maudsley) approach for their child and need skills and support to manage this process. 
• RENEW – 4-week course most appropriate for people whose loved one has been unwell for longer than two years and are not currently participating in family-led refeeding, but they wish to gain and renew skills to support them in their journey. 

“What a fantastic service you offer to very concerned families. It is so appreciated.”

The EDV Hub is a free and confidential support service providing information and peer support for people experiencing eating disorders as well as those who are supporting them, including carers and family members. The Hub offers a safe place for you to seek information, openly discuss your experience with eating disorders and ask any questions you may have. The Hub can provide information specific to carers that may be useful in helping you support your loved on and care for yourself.

The main roles of EDV Hub are:

• Information: we provide evidence based information to help people understand eating disorders. E.g. fact sheets, education about eating disorders.
• Navigation: by listening carefully and asking questions we are able to connect people with the services and support that they may need for their recovery, or to assist someone. E.g. treatment options, links with GP, psychologist/dietitian, specialist eating disorder services, support groups.
• Support: people come to EDV to help begin and maintain their recovery. We also provide support to families and friends. E.g. practicing telling someone, questions to ask.

Please note that we are not a crisis service. Crisis services with professional counsellors which can be contacted 24/7 via the following services:

Lifeline – 13 11 14
Suicide Helpline – 1300 651 251
1800 Respect – 1800 737 732 (family violence or sexual assault)

If you are not in crisis but would like to speak to someone when the Hub is closed, please contact:

The Butterfly Foundation (8am-12am, 7-days) – 1800 33 4673

EDV’s telehealth nurse service is a free support service available to any Victorian who is experiencing an eating disorder, or who is caring for someone with an eating disorder.

The Telehealth nurse acts as a central point of contact, and can assist carers with accessing treatment for a loved one, locating specialised eating disorder services and health professionals and provide information and support to help people work towards recovery. 

EDV offers Telehealth Counselling for carers of loved ones with eating disorders. This is a free service, provided by trained mental health workers, to help carers talk through and manage challenges of their caring role and own wellbeing. Carers can access up to five, 30 minute phone sessions with the same counsellor. If you would like to link in with Telehealth Counselling for Carers for some support, please follow the link below.

Receive support and insights about caring for someone with an eating disorder directly to your inbox every month.

Our Carer Newsletter is written by carers, for carers. Each newsletter addresses common challenges faced by those who play a caring role and provides practical strategies and tips to manage them.

Carers that are equipped with knowledge and skills are better placed to support their loved one, as well as themselves.

EDV have compiled a comprehensive range of resources, including factsheets, books, webpages and videos, to support carers in their care giving journey.