On Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th November, a conference was held in Nottingham for all families and professional teams involved in the ECHO (Expert Carers Helping Others) project, members of F.E.A.S.T. (Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment for Eating Disorders) and Maudsley Carers.

The conference programme can be viewed HERE.

The objective of the conference was to meet, learn, discuss and exchange ideas and offer support, help and advice in a warm, relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The Friday Keynote Speech was given by Professor Janet Treasure, Professor South London & Maudsley NHS Trust Director Eating Disorder Unit and Professor Psychiatry Guys', King's & St Thomas' Medical School, London and a member of the F.E.A.S.T. Advisory Panel.

Susan Ringwood, CEO of Beat and a member of Professional Advisory Panel for F.E.A.S.T. also presented about what carers can do and how families can help as well as the Beat Carers Workshop project.

Gill Todd, retired Head Clinical Nurse of Eating Disorders Unit in the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust ran Carers Workshops for both professionals and families.

The conference also included a presentation and panel discussion with Dr Maria Finnis (John Radcliffe) and Dr Rachel Polonsky on the power of the internet and parents.

Various F.E.A.S.T.members also spoke during the conference which was livestreamed by a F.E.A.S.T. UK task Force volunteer.