First Published: Thursday 19 April 2007, 07:20
The London Carers' Group exists to provide support for those caring for someone with an Eating Disorder.
The carer's self esteem and self confidence can be affected as they watch a loved one suffer from an illness that they often feel powerless to do anything about. These feelings of powerlessness often stem from not knowing where to get help, or from being unable to exchange ideas with somebody else who is going through a similar crisis.
Carers need to look after their own well being as they play a very important part in, and can have a very positive effect on, the recovery of those they look after.
The purpose of the London Carers Group is to provide a mutually supportive and confidential environment for sharing experiences and ideas.
Through its links with beat and service providers the group co-ordinators can also feed back carer's experiences of service provision and how they feel it could be improved
All carers of people with an Eating Disorder or those living with someone who they think might have an Eating Disorder are welcome.
The group meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 7.00pm-9.00pm at The Dragon Hall, 17 Stukeley Street, London WC2B 5LT. The nearest tube stations are Tottenham Court Road, Holborn and Covent Garden. There is a small charge of £5, which helps to pay for the venue.
Some people coming to a Carers Group may think of it as a daunting experience. The London Carers' Group has been running since June 2003 and understands that a listening ear and somewhere where people can talk in confidence and will not be judged play a vital part in supporting those who care for someone with an Eating Disorder.
Veronica Kamerling, who is the Group Facilitator and has had two daughters who have suffered with an Eating Disorder, knows only too well the importance of carers' groups. When her 2 daughters, who are now in recovery, were ill she relied on a support group that she attended and puts some of her daughters' recovery down to the help that she received from the Group.
Feelings of despair, isolation, guilt and loneliness are just some of the emotions that may occur when caring for someone with an eating disorder. The London Carers' Group offers a warm and friendly welcome and, hopefully, the support that will benefit you and those that you are caring for.
If you would like to bring any relatives or friends to the group, they would be very welcome.
For further information: www.londoncarersgroup.org.uk
