Eating Disorder Queensland (EDQ)’s Carer Peer Mentor Program connects and matches individuals who are currently supporting a loved one in their recovery from an eating disorder with a “carer peer mentor / companion” for a time-limited period. We recognise the value of carers’ lived experience and the knowledge and wisdom gained through their own caring role.

If you have supported a loved one through their eating disorder recovery, and would now like to provide hope, encouragement, support, and a friendly ear for another carer, drawing upon your own lived experiences, then please contact us for more information!

We will match you with a carer who is currently supporting a loved one, to connect with for a limited period of time. The next round of the Carer Peer Mentor Program will run from July to December 2023.

Eligibility No formal training or qualifications are required. Eligibility includes:

• 18yrs+
• Have supported a loved one with an eating disorder (of any age)
• Loved one is at a stage of recovery where the carer feels they can balance the support required for the loved one with their commitment to the mentor program (ideally a minimum of 12 months in stable recovery)
• Currently hold or be eligible for a Volunteer Blue/Yellow Card
• Fully vaccinated for COVID-19
• Be assessed as suitable for the program
• Responsive to the boundaries and requirements of the program
• Have the capacity to make a commitment to a mentoring relationship (July to December).
• Attend all events within the program

The commitment for the program from initial training to final celebration is for a 5-month period (July - December) is as follows:

• Mentor Intake meeting: 1 hour at start of program in July.
• Mentor Training: Training for new Mentors on a Saturday. This round: Sat 22nd July, 9am – 4pm - in person.
• Meet & Greet: Event at beginning of program, 2 hrs, usually in the evening 6.30pm-8.30pm – in-person or online. This round: Wed 2nd August.
• Mid-Point Catchup: Event in middle of program, 1.5 hrs, usually in the evening 6.30pm-8pm - in-person or online. This round: To be confirmed.
• Final Celebration: Event at end of program, 1.5 hrs, usually in the evening 6.30pm-8.30pm - in-person or online. This round: To be confirmed.
• The commitment for mentoring is up to 2hrs/fortnight. Mentoring sessions are on a day and time mutually agreed upon by the Mentor and the Mentee and can be in person or over the phone.
• Fortnightly/monthly check-in with the Coordinator.
• Maintaining confidential records.