Online Course - Understanding Eating Disorder Recovery (UEDR) March 2026

Are you supporting someone with an Eating Disorder?

Are you struggling to communicate and connect with your loved one?

Do you feel like no-one else really understands your experience as a Carer?

If so, come and connect with other Carers and trained Counsellors from The Butterfly Foundation for a FREE 6-week course to learn more about understanding eating disorder recovery.

This six week online education course, based on the work of Janet Treasure in the book 'Skills Based Caring for a Loved One with an Eating Disorder', aims to provide Carers with the communication and self-care skills required to support their loved one experiencing an eating disorder.

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What are the details of the program?

Who: Carers in Australia supporting a loved one experiencing or recovering from an eating disorder.

When: Thursday 19th March - Thursday 23rd April 2026 (6 consecutive Thursday evenings over 6 weeks)

Time:

NSW, VIC, TAS & ACT (AEDT) - 7:30pm - 9:30pm

QLD (AEST) - 6:30pm - 8:30pm

SA & NT (ACST) - 6:00pm - 8:00pm

WA (AWST) - 4:30pm - 6:30pm

*Note: daylight savings will end on Sunday 5th April 2026, from the 9th - 23rd April the course will run from 7:30pm - 9:30pm AEST.

Cost: FREE.

How: The program is facilitated through a webinar so a computer or device with internet and audio is required.

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Is this course for me?

Consider if:

• You have a private, quiet space for 6 consecutive Thursday evenings to complete the online course.
• You are comfortable with the webinar format - The facilitator will present via live webinar, and participants can type in questions.
• You are available and able to commit attendance to all 6 sessions. Attendance at all sessions is recommended for the best learning experience.
• General Eating Disorder education and skills will be helpful for you.

Please note if you are unable to attend the full course, there will be other opportunities to join as we will be running the same program twice per year (dates to be confirmed). Please email UEDR@butterfly.org.au if you would like to go on the Expressions of Interest list.

If you are unsure if this course is right for you, or would like to talk to a counsellor about your loved one’s recovery, you are welcome to give us a call on 1800 33 4673, or webchat and email via our website Helpline - Butterfly Foundation. We are open 7 days a week, 8am - Midnight (AEDT/AEST), excluding national public holidays.

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What next?

Complete registration through Eventbrite. Your details will be kept anonymously and securely. You will be contacted with more information including how to log in each week. A short survey will be emailed to participants following completion of the program – any feedback you give is voluntary and will help us improve our services.

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FAQs

What type of technology do I need access to, to participate?

You will need a computer or similar device with an internet connection and audio. A mobile phone can also work but is not recommended.

Can the person I care for attend the course with me?

It is not recommend that a loved one attend this course with you. We encourage you to find your own time to complete this course.

Can my partner/other Carer attend the course with me?

Absolutely. We encourage parents, partners, and other Carers to complete the course together if they would like to.

Who's running the program?

The program will be facilitated by trained Eating Disorder Counsellors from the Butterfly National Helpline. The Counsellors regularly work with Carers, parents, partners, siblings and friends of people with Eating Disorders, as well as those with a lived experience themselves.

What topics will be covered?

• Understanding your caring style and role
• Connecting with others going through similar experiences
• Stages of change and motivation
• Developing new communication skills
• Understanding and managing eating disorder behaviours
• Self-care

It will not cover medical risk or look at specific guidance for individual situations.

What time does this course run in my state?

NSW, VIC, TAS & ACT (AEDT) - 7:30pm - 9:30pm

QLD (AEST) - 6:30pm - 8:30pm

SA & NT (ACST) - 6:00pm - 8:00pm

WA (AWST) - 4:30pm - 6:30pm

*Note: daylight savings will end on Sunday 5th April 2026, from the 9th - 23rd April the course will run from 7:30pm - 9:30pm AEST.

Will the slides and content be provided?

The slides of each webinar are not able to be provided. A weekly summary sheet with additional resources will be provided following the sessions.

I need support right now, who do I contact?

If you need specific support around your experience as a Carer, please contact our Helpline on 1800 33 4673 or webchat and email via our website. We are open 7 days a week from 8am-Midnight (AEDT/AEST), excluding national public holidays.

If you are in crisis please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

If you or your loved one are in an emergency or require urgent medical assistance, please contact 000 or present at your local emergency department.

I am currently completing a specific treatment program (including Maudsley), is this course right for me?

If you are currently completing a specific individualised treatment program, we encourage you to follow your treatment team's guidance and advice. If you're looking for general education and information you are welcome to join this course and adapt the information to suit your specific situation.

This course is not intended to be a replacement for specific, tailored treatment and support for you and your loved one.

English isn't my most comfortable language, and/or I have a disability - can I access this course?

Please email UEDR@butterfly.org.au and we will work with you to try and make the course accessible.

What happens to my private information?

Your privacy is important to us. We collect and store your information only where necessary and relevant so we can provide you with our services and, subject to your permission, conduct research. For more information please read our Privacy Policy.

I have a different question, who do I contact?

For any UEDR related questions not answered here, please contact UEDR@butterfly.org.au