Eating Disorders Awareness Week takes place in the last week of February, with this year’s national theme focusing on community.
At Eating Distress North East (EDNE), community means creating spaces where people feel understood, listened to and less alone. This includes individuals experiencing eating distress, as well as the parents, carers, family members and friends who support them.
Supporting someone with eating distress can feel isolating. Many loved ones tell us they carry worry quietly, unsure where to turn or whether their own feelings matter. During Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026, our focus is on recognising those experiences and offering gentle opportunities for connection, reassurance and care.
A wellbeing evening for parents, carers and loved ones
As part of our Awareness Week activity, EDNE is hosting CONNECTIONS, a wellbeing evening for people supporting someone who is experiencing eating distress.
🗓 Thursday 5 March 2026
⏰ From 5:30pm
📍 EDNE Office, Newcastle
This is a calm, welcoming evening with a focus on your wellbeing. Together, we’ll spend time taking part in simple wellbeing activities, sharing conversation, and connecting with others who understand what it can be like to support someone with eating distress.
CONNECTIONS is not a support group focused on a loved one’s eating distress. Instead, it offers space to pause, reflect and be part of a community where you are welcome just as you are. The session will be facilitated by EDNE staff, and you are free to take part for as long or as little as feels right for you.
The evening is open to anyone aged 16+ who is supporting someone affected by eating distress. You might be a parent, grandparent, sibling, partner, friend or other loved one. The person you support does not need to be accessing EDNE services.
Standing together during Awareness Week
Eating Disorders Awareness Week is led nationally by Beat, and we’re proud to stand alongside organisations across the UK in highlighting the importance of compassionate, supportive communities for everyone affected by eating distress.
If you are supporting someone and would like to attend the CONNECTIONS wellbeing evening, you can do so by completing our short registration form.
If you’re looking for support for yourself or someone you care about, EDNE offers independent, confidential and non-judgemental services. You don’t need a diagnosis to access our support.
