Eating Disorders Training Course

Eating disorders are complex and challenging conditions that affect individuals, families, and communities. For people working in the social care sector, understanding these conditions is an essential step towards providing the care and support that individuals need.

This free eating disorders online course offers you an opportunity to increase your understanding of eating disorders—what they are, how to recognise them, their causes, and how to support individuals on their recovery journey. Using practical knowledge based on real-world practices in England, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to make a positive impact in your role.

Whether you’re new to the topic or looking to refresh and deepen your knowledge, this course is designed with you in mind. Through a mix of practical strategies and essential information, you’ll leave equipped to support people who use services in a professional, empathetic, and effective way.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

Eating disorders are more than just emotional or behavioural challenges; they are serious conditions that affect the physical, mental, and social health of individuals. They can create a ripple effect that touches families, friendships, workplaces, and entire communities. Understanding these conditions isn’t just helpful—it’s an ethical part of providing high-quality care to people who rely on your support.

Here’s why this course can benefit you:

• Gain practical knowledge for day-to-day challenges: From spotting early signs to supporting recovery, you’ll gain useable skills that fit into your daily work. Whether it’s facilitating open conversations or creating a safe environment for someone’s progress, this training empowers you to act effectively.
• Support better outcomes for individuals and families: An informed approach makes a world of difference. By understanding eating disorders, you’ll be equipped to offer meaningful support that promotes recovery and wellbeing, preventing further health complications.
• Learn with confidence: The course is entirely based on frameworks and care practices in England, so you can trust it aligns with the expectations and responsibilities of your role.
• Raise awareness and help reduce stigma: Many people misunderstand eating disorders, making it harder for individuals to seek help. By becoming knowledgeable, you’ll play a role in addressing misconceptions and promoting healthier attitudes about food and body image.
• Access practical solutions and communication tools: It’s not just about the theory; this course provides actionable advice you can put into practice immediately, from creating positive interventions to effectively working within professional care teams.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

• Understand the impact of eating disorders on individuals and their families.
• Recognise the early warning signs, symptoms, and behavioural patterns linked to eating disorders.
• Distinguish between disordered eating and clinical eating disorders.
• Identify common causes and risk factors of eating disorders, including biological, psychological, and social influences.
• Explore the physical, mental, and social consequences of these conditions.
• Effectively communicate with individuals who may be struggling and offer meaningful emotional support.
• Understand the role of various treatment approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and team-based care.
• Develop ways to raise awareness and promote better attitudes around food, self-esteem, and body image.
• Support prevention efforts and reduce stigma surrounding eating disorders.

This course equips you with the insights and tools needed to approach this sensitive topic with professionalism, empathy, and practical action.

Target Audience

This free course is tailored for professionals in the social care sector but is open to anyone interested in learning about eating disorders. It’s especially useful for:

• Social care workers, carers, and support staff in residential or community settings.
• Family and outreach workers aiming to better support vulnerable groups.
• Healthcare assistants or those involved in multidisciplinary teams tackling mental health challenges.
• Team leaders and managers responsible for staff training or creating care strategies.
• Anyone new to social care who wants foundational knowledge on the topic.

Whether you’re supporting individuals daily or working behind the scenes, this course gives you tools and insights to enhance your role.

FAQ

What’s the time commitment for the course?
The course is flexible and designed to fit into your schedule. You’ll need about 1 to 2 hours to complete it, depending on your pace.

Do I need prior knowledge?
No experience is needed. This course is straightforward and builds from the basics.

Is this course specific to the UK?
Yes, all information and practices are based on England’s regulations, care frameworks, and policies.

Will I get a certificate?
Yes. Once you finish the course, you’ll receive a certificate you can use for your records or professional development.

How do I apply what I’ve learned to my job?
The course offers practical strategies and examples you can start using immediately, tailored to social care and support roles.

What support is available during the course?
If you have questions or need help, our support team is here for you.

Is this course CPD accredited?
Not at the moment but it will be shortly.

Eating disorders are not easy to talk about, but they’re even harder for individuals to live with. This course gives you the knowledge, understanding, and resources to support people who need you. Start learning today and make a real difference in your role as a social care professional.