What is the strive Carer Support Program?
The strive Carer program provides support to adult parents and caregivers of a loved one with an eating disorder. Our program is run by parents and carers sharing their lived experience to ‘support, teach, reassure, inform, validate and empower’ through online support groups and a daily support forum.
We share hope and optimism that recovery is possible, and through our supportive community, carers feel less alone. #youarenotalone
Our strive community nurtures self-care and creates a safe and comfortable space for our members to connect with each other.
strive Daily Support Forum
Our strive Carer Support Program includes a private, daily support forum on Facebook – a 24/7 community for parents and caregivers of those with eating disorders, moderated by carers with lived experience.
The strive Australia Facebook group provides a supportive community and a safe, confidential, comfortable space, for adult caregivers of individuals living with an eating disorder.
We also use this platform to post updates on the strive program, upcoming EDucation webinars, links to eating disorder resources, and opportunities to advocate for better support for eating disorders.
strive Carer Support Groups
We deliver online strive Carer Support Groups for parents and caregivers of those with eating disorders.
Support groups are a safe and comfortable space to connect with others going through similar experiences. Chatting in small, relaxed groups you can share as much or as little as you like, and we hope by coming you’ll gain some knowledge, strength and encouragement to help you support your loved one.
Each month we share a topic, and this forms the basis for discussion and support.
Special strive Carer Support Groups
We deliver online strive Carer Support Groups for parents and caregivers of those with the following eating disorders:
- ARFID (monthly group)
- Bulimia Nervosa (quarterly group)
- Binge Eating Disorder (quarterly group)
Siblings Support
EDFA Siblings Support Groups are run monthly and are a safe space to give siblings a voice and acknowledgment for the range of emotions (i.e. sadness, confusion, helplessness, isolation, loneliness, fear, anger, frustration) and daily struggles of living with a sibling with an eating disorder.
Some of the things siblings will take away from our Siblings Support Groups are:
- They have permission and are expected to move on in their own lives…and continue to enjoy the things that bring them joy and purpose, with no shame.
- Their voice is as valid as any other voice in the family, and they will be heard and validated in the support group.
strive Carer Support Program - FAQ's
You don’t need to be a paid member of EDFA. However, you will need to answer membership questions to show that you’re an adult caregiver living in Australia, provide contact details, and agree to the Group rules.
To access the Zoom links to join the Carer Support Groups, you need to be either a paid member of EDFA, or a member of the strive Daily Online Forum. Become a Member
Yes, strive carer support groups are held online, on the Zoom platform.
The forum and support groups are either moderated or facilitated by fully trained volunteer carers with lived experience. These incredible people are part of a team that undergoes ongoing training.
We recognise everyone is different, and at best, caring for someone with an eating disorder can be a terribly traumatic time. You can come along to interact and take part, or to listen - the choice is yours.
The forum and support groups are either moderated or facilitated by fully trained volunteer carers with lived experience. These incredible people are part of a team that undergoes ongoing training.
To access the Zoom links to join the Carer Support Groups, you need to be either a paid member of EDFA, or a member of the strive Daily Online Forum. Become a Member
You can join the national group here. You will need to answer membership questions to show that you’re an adult caregiver living in Australia, provide contact details, and agree to the Group rules.
strive Carer Support feedback
The strive Support Program does a wonderful job of helping carers navigate the difficult waters of eating disorders. It is a place to find kindness, compassion, understanding and information.
Leanne
Thank you EDFA. The information about peer support was amazing. For me, without the strive group I would lost and uninformed. The zoom meetings are incredibly helpful, and as a member, I am able to watch the education sessions afterwards. So valuable!
Mel
Very responsive and very, very helpful!
Steve
Melbourne
The strive Carer Support Program is vital. Living with a child with an eating disorder is such a lonely journey, and connecting with people who 'get it' is a real encouragement and fills my tank to keep going.
Fiona
Sydney