Carer Support Groups
Get help with self-care while supporting a friend or family member
A support group is a space where you can feel free to discuss topics related to your friend or loved one’s recovery from body image issues or an eating disorder. You can receive strength and support from others who are on the same journey as you.
Our Webchat Carer Support Groups are facilitated by specialist counsellors from our National Helpline. Anyone over age 16 from anywhere in Australia is welcome to attend.
You may be interested in joining a Webchat Carer Support Group because:
- Webchat Support Group facilitators are trained mental health counsellors, with specialist skills in body image and eating disorders.
- Your anonymity is safe and you can identify yourself as you like – we do not share your full name or likeness with other participants in the group.
Our Virtual Carer Support Groups are facilitated by trained peer facilitators who have lived experience of an eating disorder themselves. Anyone over age 18 from anywhere in Australia is welcome to attend.
You may be interested in joining a Virtual Carer Support Group because:
- Virtual Support Group facilitators have lived experience of caring for someone with an eating disorder or body image concern and can better relate to what you are going though.
- There’s greater opportunity to get to know other participants in the group as there’s more of a face-to-face feel than on webchat.
Please note: Butterfly’s Support Groups don’t replace treatment by a trained professional. If you’re looking for answers to specific issues around eating disorder recovery or care-giving, it’s best to consult with your treating professionals, or contact our National Helpline.
Webchat Carer Support Group
For family, friends, partners and colleagues. Anyone over aged 16+ can join.
Every First Wednesday of the Month: 8:00pm – 9:00pm (AEST/AEDT)
Every Third Wednesday of the Month: 8:00pm – 9:00pm (AEST/AEDT)
- It’s easy to join but you can only log in if there is a group on at this time
- You are welcome to join anonymously but you will need to register with a valid email address
- For first time users of the platform, we recommend logging in to register 5 minutes before the group starts.
Young family and friends Webchat Support Group
Just for people aged 18-25.
The person you know could be a parent, sibling, friend, partner, or someone else you feel close to in your life.
If so, this group is here for you. You’ll get support and guidance to help your friend, family and yourself through the challenges of an eating disorder. Even if you’re not sure, you can give it a try to see if it’s for you.
Every Second Wednesday of the Month: 6:30pm – 7:30pm (AEST/AEDT)
- It’s easy to join but you can only log in if there is a group on at this time
- You are welcome to join anonymously but you will need to register with a valid email address
- For first time users of the platform, we recommend logging in to register 5 minutes before the group starts.
Webchat Recovery Support Group - how to get started
- Enter the Online Support Group.
This will open up the Online Support Group registration and information window. - Register a username and password with a valid email address.
Registering allows you to create a username and password so that you can log in quickly next time. When you register, you will be asked to create a username and password. Please first name only or a pseudonym. You will also need to register a valid email address and confirm this with a link sent to the nominated address. - Sign in with your user name and password.
Once you have confirmed your email address, sign in with you user name and password. - Wait for an invitation to the online group.
When signed in, you will go to a Welcome group with the group guidelines, please be familiar with these. Please be aware you are unable to type into this Welcome group. You will be then added to the online group by a facilitator running the group that evening.
If you are experiencing difficulties in entering the support group, please email us at support@butterfly.org.au
Virtual Carer Support Group
Where: ONLINE (ZOOM)
Time: Every second Monday – 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm (AEST/AEDT)
Last date in 2023: December 11 (Monday)
In 2024: January 15 and 29, February 12 and 26, March 11and 25, April 8 and 22, May 13 and 27, June 24
Fee: FREE TO ALL (Thanks to support by the Crown through the Tasmanian Department of Health.)
Frequently asked questions
You will be welcomed into an accepting space. The group is focused on how best to support your loved one through their recovery journey and will discuss topics related to supporting positive change and your own self-care.
There is no set discussion and participants are encouraged to share their own experiences as honestly and as safely as they feel comfortable. You are welcome to listen if you are not ready to speak. The shared experience of the group relies on a willingness to show compassion to ourselves and to others.
When you first log in, you’ll be asked to read the guidelines for the group. These are in place to ensure a friendly, helpful and safe experience. You’re encouraged to share your own experiences as honestly and as safely as you feel comfortable. You are welcome to listen if you are not ready to speak. The shared experience of the group relies on a willingness to show compassion to others and yourself.
Butterfly recognises that eating disorders can affect anyone regardless of their ethnicity, colour, culture, religion, economic status, gender identity, sexuality, age, or ability. We prioritise inclusive and safe spaces for every person in the community.
What is said in the group stays in the group. Your privacy and confidentiality are respected.
If you are unsure whether a loved one is experiencing an eating disorder or has not been diagnosed you are still very welcome to come along.
Do you know someone who is experiencing a body image issue or eating disorder who may be interested in a support group? Maybe it’s you? Butterfly also offers Recovery Support Groups.
Meet our Virtual Carer Support Group Team
Rhiannon facilitates Virtual Carer Support Groups
Rhiannon joined The Butterfly Foundation as a Peer Support Facilitator in Hobart in 2019. She tributes her personal involvement with TRED inc (Tasmania Recovery from Eating Disorders) in initiating her own recovery pathway and now advocates the value of lived-experience in support settings. Rhiannon is currently completing her Master’s in Social Work at UTAS.
Elizabeth facilitates Virtual Carer Support Groups.
Elizabeth’s bio is coming soon.
Let’s talk
Whether you need support for yourself or someone you care about, call our free and confidential Helpline on 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673), chat online or email.
