Endeavour - ARFID carer support group

Endeavour

Endeavour is a peer support group for parents and carers of children and young people aged 5-15, with an ARFID (Avoidance/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) diagnosis and/or displaying ARFID behaviours and presentations.

What is ARFID?

Common ARFID behaviours may include:

• Avoiding or restricting foods based on senses and textures
• Concerns about the consequence of eating
• Anxiety or sensory overload when eating new foods or eating in new environments
• A lack of understanding of hunger/appetite cues
• A lack of interest in food
  
  

What is Endeavour?

A weekly 90-minute peer support group delivered via Zoom by one of Beat’s experienced eating disorder clinicians.

Learning over of a period of 8 weeks, you will deepen your understanding of ARFID by looking at the common behaviours and presentations, as well as improving your understanding of the experience of food for individuals with ARFID. Over the duration of the programme, you will learn new skills and communication techniques to improve your confidence in communicating your loved ones needs with school and healthcare professionals.

The aim of the group is for you to feel supported in a safe space, where you can talk openly about your situation, share your emotions and how you are managing with your young person’s ARFID behaviours.

Who can attend Endeavour?

Endeavour is open to you if:

• Your loved one is aged between 5 and 15 at the start of the programme.
• Your loved one has ARFID behaviours/presentations (formal diagnosis of ARFID is not essential).
• You are able to commit to the 8-week programme and agree to follow the group guidelines.

If you or your loved one have active intent/plans to end their life or are in crisis, Endeavour will not be an appropriate support service for you. If you are experiencing this, we recommend you contact emergency services, your GP, the Samaritans or Papyrus for support.

How can I access Endeavour?

Endeavour is currently available for self-referral across the whole of Scotland, Durham - (Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Stockton, Redcar & Cleveland, Darlington), South Yorkshire and York.

Self Refer Here

If you are currently under an eating disorder team in Kent or Suffolk, you may be eligible for a clinical referral. Please speak to your team to enquire.

If you are based elsewhere, our carer’s platform POD is an online hub suitable for all carers nationwide. You can access e-Learning, chat with our expert clinicians, watch pre-recorded webinars and reach out to other carers in our forums. Simply create your free account on POD today

If you are looking for specific help local to you, please use the HelpFinder tool to see what is available in your area.