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Our Organisation began in 2000 under the name of Caring Whispers and became a registered Charity (no. 1107975) in October 2003. Caring Whispers was initially set up in response to sufferers and their carers who found they received limited help and support for Eating Disorders within our local statutory services.
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In February 2005 Caring Whispers began to build partnerships and network with local Statutory services and other organisations. To promote the professional aspect of our organisation, we created Eating Disorder Networks (EDN) whilst also operating Caring Whispers as our support service for clients.
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The members of our trustee board that helped to establish our organisation consisted of, a professor of eating disorders, a surgeon, two clinicians, two local business people and two school teachers.
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We started by running weekly support groups for those with eating problems and their carers. We collected data and feedback from clients about the type of service needed and involved our clients in establishing a Client Led Service.
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Within our first year we had established our organisation with around 15 volunteers who helped in supporting, awareness and fundraising events locally.
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In February 2004 we were awarded a grant from Lloyds TSB, which enabled us to appoint a fulltime co-ordinator. In this same year we were nominated for The Best New Charity of the Year in the
UK
, in which we were placed in the final four, we felt very proud at what we had achieved in such a short period of time.
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Whilst over the past 5 years we have maintained our independence within the voluntary sector, we have worked towards establishing partnerships within our community both in the voluntary sector and statutory services.
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We have also received funding from the Big Lottery, Tudor Trust and Grants for Growth to provide offices and three paid staff posts.
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We have also over the past three years seen an increase in the use of our services outside our local community, such as
Manchester
, Preston, Carlisle,
Wales
, Blackburn, Bolton and
Blackpool
.
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Our Research.....
From the data we have collated over the past 5 years, we can see very clearly the need for a client-led service, which should involve:
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Networking |
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Advice and information service
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Support systems
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Education
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Workshops for school nurses and other health professionals
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An effective referral system
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Interactive website
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We see how important it is to balance the skills and knowledge of Health Professionals as well as other voluntary organisations that have a good working knowledge of their community.
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We realise the importance of a client getting the best treatment available with the right professionals. When people self-refer to us, we gain all the relevant information and provide support where appropriate. In all cases we encourage the client to contact their GP about their ED and where possible refer each client to a Health Professional.
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Over the last year, we have seen an increase in referrals to our organisation from children as young as 11 years old. Our research has shown us that this is putting a huge amount of pressure on schools and its staff and also shows us there is a great need for support, education and awareness within an educational environment.
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We know that an Eating Disorder CAN be beaten
As an organisation, we believe in enabling and empowering people to manage their recovery, and we are motivated to inform and educate people to seek help at the earliest instance to make recovery more successful.
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Guidance For Professionals 
