Supporting students with eating disorders requires more than just awareness—it demands a collective commitment from the entire college community. Creating a safe, understanding, and proactive environment ensures that students struggling with these challenges receive the care and support they need. This masterclass provides staff with practical strategies to foster a culture of empathy, early intervention, and effective response. By empowering educators with the right tools and knowledge, colleges can make a meaningful difference in students' well-being, academic success, and overall mental health.

Masterclass Overview

To effectively address eating disorders, colleges must adopt a whole-college approach that prioritises mental health and creates a unified framework for support. This comprehensive one-day training masterclass is designed for college settings, providing staff with the knowledge and practical tools to implement a compassionate, consistent, and informed approach to supporting students with eating disorders. Participants will learn how to integrate this approach across the institution, ensuring that all staff and students understand the importance of early intervention, empathy, and access to timely support. 

Session Outcomes

By the end of this masterclass, participants will be able to: 

1. Understanding Eating Disorders - Gain in-depth knowledge of eating disorders, including their prevalence, signs, symptoms, and impact on students' academic performance and mental health. 
2. Embedding Compassionate Practices - Learn how to create an environment that promotes understanding and compassion across the whole institution, ensuring that all staff and students approach the topic of eating disorders with sensitivity and respect. 
3. Delivering Whole-Staff Training - Receive guidance on how to run effective training sessions for all staff members, ensuring a consistent, supportive, and sensitive approach to eating disorders across the college. 
4. Running a Student Session - Learn how to deliver a one-hour student session aimed at raising awareness of eating disorders, reducing stigma, and encouraging open dialogue around mental health. 
5. Policy Development - Gain practical insights into developing and implementing an effective eating disorder policy that aligns with your college's values, ensuring that students have access to the right support at the right time. 
6. The Importance of Timely Referrals - Understand how to identify students who may be struggling with eating disorders and how to ensure timely and appropriate referrals to external professionals for further support.