Education and Training

At Eating Distress North East (EDNE), we provide expert-led training to professionals, educators, employers, and community organisations to help them recognise, understand, and support individuals experiencing eating distress.

Our CPD-accredited courses focus on early identification, intervention, and recovery, equipping participants with practical skills and confidence to make a difference.

Children and Young People Workshops

We work in schools and youth settings, often in partnership with other charities, to deliver age-appropriate workshops that create a safe space for exploring topics such as:

• Mental health
• Self-esteem and body image
• Self-soothing and coping strategies

To provide a holistic package of education and support, we also offer additional training for teachers, youth workers, staff, and parents/carers.

Training for Professionals

Recognising and Supporting Eating Distress

Eating distress and eating disorders are serious and complex mental health conditions, often involving negative thoughts about food, eating, and body image.

As a professional, you play a crucial role in early identification and providing support. Our training equips you with the knowledge and skills to:

• Recognise early signs of eating distress
• Start supportive conversations with confidence
• Understand referral pathways to ensure individuals get the right help
• Provide ongoing support within your own service

Our training is tried, tested, and highly regarded, offering a practical, easy-to-understand approach. We tailor our training to focus on awareness, early identification, and intervention, based on your organisation’s needs.

Sarah Lou delivering training online.

Sarah Lou delivering to Newcastle College.

CPD-Accredited Training

We offer a range of CPD-accredited training sessions, designed to increase knowledge, understanding, and confidence in supporting individuals with eating distress.

These sessions focus on early identification, intervention, and recovery.

• GPs
• Mental health support services
• Schools and universities
• Young people’s services
• Community organisations, local authorities, and companies

We can also design bespoke education and training packages, please get in touch with us to discuss.

Our CPD Training Courses

Working with Eating Disorders for Professionals

Who it’s for: Any professional who wants to learn about early identification, how to offer support and to understand more about eating distress.

What you’ll learn: You’ll leave with increased confidence and knowledge to engage in conversations about eating distress and have strategies to best support the people in your care.

This 2.5-hour training course can be delivered in person or online. All participants will receive training slides, additional resources and a CPD certificate.

Understanding Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Who it's for: Any professional who wants to understand more about ARFID, a much-misunderstood eating disorder.

What you'll learn: You’ll be able to understand and recognise the signs, symptoms, and misconceptions about ARFID, acknowledging the seriousness of ARFID and effects it can have for the eating distress individual and their loved ones.

This 2.5-hour training course can be delivered in person or online. All participants will receive training slides, additional resources and a CPD certificate.

Fidget and stimming tools are offered out during our in-person training sessions.

A slide from our ARFID training.

Neurodivergence and Eating Distress

Who it's for: Any professional who wants to understand the links between neurodivergence and eating distress and explore new ways of working with people in your care.

What you'll learn: You’ll explore what considerations are needed when working with neurodivergence and eating distress, highlighting Autism and ADHD, and emphasising compassionate practice.

This 2.5-hour training course can be delivered in person or online. All participants will receive training slides and additional resources.

Workplace Training for Employers

We help employers recognise and respond to eating distress in the workplace by:

• Signposting to further support and resources
• Identifying signs of eating distress in staff
• Providing guidance on how to sensitively support employees
• Offering advice on organisational policies to promote wellbeing

Who We Work With

We deliver training to a wide variety of professionals, including:

• Community organisations, local authorities, and businesses
• GPs and healthcare professionals
• Mental health support services
• Schools and universities
• Young people’s services

Why Choose EDNE?

Eating Distress North East (EDNE) is a centre of excellence for eating distress support in the North East, with over 35 years of experience.

• We are the only specialist service in the region offering therapeutic counselling to anyone experiencing eating distress.
• Our training is expert-led, highly rated, and practical.
• Every penny raised from training goes directly towards supporting individuals and families affected by eating distress.

By working with us, you're not only enhancing your skills—you’re helping to ensure that vital specialist support continues for those who need it most.

What People Say About Our Training

“Well-structured, easy to understand, well-paced, with a friendly and approachable style.”
“Very supportive, informative, and well-presented. I feel much more confident in supporting young people.”
“I now feel informed and equipped to help guide the people I work with around eating distress and disorders.”

Get in Touch

To book a training course or find out more, please contact our Education and Training Officer:

Sarah Lou Murray
📧 sarahlou.murray@edne.org.uk

We also offer bespoke training packages designed around your needs, with virtual and in-person training options available. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.

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