A NEW course to support carers of those with eating disorders has been launched in the county. It takes place in October.
The ‘CARED’ course, ‘Caring About Recovery from Eating Disorders’ – comes as eating disorders are becoming more prevalent here.
The ‘New Maudsley Method’ course is being delivered by Mairead Millmore, Enniskillen, and Martina O’Hara, Brookeborough, both of whom have spent the last few months being trained in Belfast.
Areas of eating disorders that will be looked at within the course, include anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and purging.
Martina, a school counsellor, explained: “There is support for the young people with the eating disorder, but we find there isn’t anything there for the parent or carer. We need to get the necessary skills to those people.”
Mairead continued: “I worked as a school counsellor for five years, and we would see a lot of young people, both male and female coming through with eating disorders. But, it’s very much under the radar – at times it doesn’t come fully to light until it’s at a crucial stage.”
The two women said that while support exists for those suffering from an eating disorder, it is not so readily available for parents or carers.
“What we have learned is that people use eating disorders to get some sense of control in their lives,” Mairead said.
“We’re seeing it quite prevalent in schools where there’s a lot of peer pressure. There’s a sense of the media and the size zero, and the message that that gives to young people – if you’re thin then you’re happy or your acceptable.
“Now, kids are so desperate to fit the perfect mould that they will do absolutely anything. We’ve seen a huge increase of it in boys. People often think it’s girls, models, cat walk models – but we’re seeing a lot of boys.”
The course takes place on Friday and Saturday, October 11 and 12 – from 9.30am to 4.30pm each day in the FIND centre, Enniskillen.
Places are limited – and to book a place contact 07999901936 or email caringaboutrecovery@gmail.com.
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