Project summary:  The Expert Carer Helping Others (ECHO) intervention has been developed in collaboration with those who have experience of caring for adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa (AN).   It aims to support carers and provide them with much needed information to reduce anxiety and frustration and so improve their functioning. This project is the first step in the formal evaluation of ECHO and will examine whether the intervention can benefit carers and also the individuals with AN. A second part of the study will determine whether further coaching of the carers enhances the effect. The findings will be used to design a definitive trial which will generate the evidence needed for NICE endorsement and dissemination within the NHS.

Support given by RDS London: RDS London mentored the applicant throughout the process of development of the grant.

 

“This external perspective was of critical importance in ensuring that the ideas in the application were clearly explained and presented. The feedback was given quickly and in a positive frame which enabled the many obstacles involved to be helpfully cleared”.