Carers Carer Connect Support Group The Carer Connect Support Group provides a supportive and collaborative environment for family members, carers and key support people to connect with others who are going through a similar journey in supporting their loved ones through eating disorder recovery. The Group is facilitated by EDQ Family and Carer Coaches and is an opportunity to learn about information and skills, as well as the sharing of experiences and insights between carers. Throughout 2019-20 Carer Connect has run monthly from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Each month focuses on a different theme/topic and at times includes guest speakers. Facilitators have received feedback from carers expressing how much they appreciate having the opportunity to connect with others who understand how they are feeling, in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Carers have also shared that attending this monthly group is a key part of managing their own self-care and wellbeing. This financial year there were 10 Carer Connect Support Groups, with a total of 93 participants (with an average of 9 carers per group). From April 2020 the group has met via ZOOM in the context of COVID-19. With this change in delivery mode EDQ have been able to reach carers across Queensland who otherwise would be unable to attend. In addition, some carers based in Brisbane have shared that the online platform has afforded them the opportunity to join Carer Connect when previously they were unable to attend in person due to their caring responsibilities. Therefore, although the opportunity for informal connection
and chat before/after the group has reduced, there have also been notable benefits in the change in delivery mode.
After each group carers are encouraged to provide meaningful feedback via evaluation forms (including what they liked most/ least and suggestions for future topics). This feedback is used in an ongoing nature to inform future groups. Highlights of the 2019-20 year included the below guest speakers:
• A carer who supported his loved one through recovery • An individual who has been through her own recovery journey • Arafmi Ltd who provided information about their carer support services • Dr Leanne Barron (GP) and Megan Bray (Dietitian) who provided insights into eating disorder recovery from a medical and dietetic perspective Of note was the special Carer Connect dinner, which brought carers together over a shared meal, cooked and prepared by our wonderful EDQ casual cook Claire, and included a carer guest speaker.
Carer Feedback Quotes:
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It was very reassuring to hear similar stories, particularly from a parent who has come out the other side. Very inspiring. Such a privilege to hear from a person herself [who has been through recovery]. Inspiring and helps me a lot in understanding…the processes she has been through.
Eating Disorders Queensland
