Beat - Carers Services

Beat supports families and friends caring for loved ones affected by eating disorders, equipping them with essential skills and advice, so they can help them recover whilst also looking after their own mental health.

Our dedicated helpline number and email address for people in Northern Ireland is here for you.

Northern Ireland: 0808 801 0434   Email:  NIhelp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk

Callers can call the confidential free phoneline or email for friendly, non-judgmental advice on someone with an eating disorder.

POD (Peer Online Development): Support, Learn & Engage. POD (Peer support and Online Development) is Beat's online carer community designed to provide people supporting someone with an eating disorder with a space to learn, share experiences and find support.

We have worked closely with our service users, ambassadors and eating disorder clinicians to help us to shape this platform, ensuring that the information we are sharing is clinically sound, as well as meeting the needs of those who will be accessing it.

What does POD offer me?

POD is an e-learning platform and community for carers that provides you with online modules, resources and spaces to talk with peers to help you better support your loved one. With POD's catalogue of free online e-learning modules you can learn more about eating disorders and how to be an effective carer.

Engage with a community that understands

You’re not alone in supporting a loved one with an eating disorder. With POD, you can connect with others who have the same experiences and worries as you. Through our peer support forums, you’ll be able to discuss what you’re learning, and share information, resources and ideas with others caring for someone with an eating disorder. These forums will be regularly reviewed by the Beat team to protect the safety of the community.

Each week, you’ll also be able to access drop-in spaces to meet with Beat’s Clinical Associate Trainers, who’ll be on hand to offer you guidance and support.

For more information, visit https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/beat-support-in-my-area/services-in-northern-ireland/