Beat Eating Disorders (Beat) have just launched a new online peer support service available for young people (aged 14-25), and parents/carers of young people with an eating disorder across Scotland. Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, has teamed up with NHS Lothian to deliver online peer support, thanks to funding from the Technology Enabled Care Grant from the Scottish Government.
Support will consist of one-to-one support emails between the befriender and their mentee, consisting of 1-3 emails per week. Beat will provide formal training consisting of boundaries in communication, active listening skills based on motivational interviewing principles, and safeguarding policies and practices. The befriender will offer a listening ear, provide encouragement and signpost to other services that might be helpful. All emails will be moderated, to ensure all online communication is helpful and safe. It is expected that support will initially run until July 2018.
Young People and Parents/Carers Wishing to Provide Support
Beat are looking for volunteers to provide online peer support, who have either: been in recovery for at least 2 years and are aged between 18 – 35 years old OR have provided support for a young person aged up to 25 years old with an eating disorder.
Young People and Parents/Carers Wishing to Receive Support
To be eligible to receive support, the individual must either provide support to a young person in Scotland with an eating disorder who is aged between 12 – 25 years old OR be a young person with an eating disorder in Scotland who is aged between 14 – 25 years old.
Beat are looking to find both volunteers to provide support (from across the UK), and who wish to receive support (Scotland-based only). They are hoping that the online support will help to address carer burden, distress and reduce isolation, as well as support young people with an eating disorder.
For more information contact: help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
