Family and carers support at Nightingale Hospital

Free family and carers group

It is widely acknowledged that caring for a family member with mental illness can be profoundly stressful and distressing. In recognition of this, Nightingale Hospital offers specialised family and carers groups for families and carers of current patients on our addictions and eating disorders wards.

These groups are facilitated by experts in their respective fields.

There is evidence to show that the inclusion of those closest to the patient in psycho-educational programmes may enhance the patients’ recovery. It is also important for carers to have a strategy for self-care to avoid becoming depleted themselves. Patients and their families can feel fully supported in the decisions they make about their care and the treatment delivered by Nightingale Hospital.

Addiction monthly free family day

Those nearest to the sufferer often blame themselves, going through a range of emotions from despair, depression and guilt to anger and frustration, leaving them exhausted and having difficulty coping, as well as feeling powerless in how to deal with the situation.

Research has shown that the involvement of families in the treatment process greatly increases the prospects of a person’s recovery.

Family Day is led by a therapist experienced in addictions. It consists of 2 groups. One group is for family and partners only. It will offer them education in not only how to deal with the addicted person, but also how to safeguard themselves in this difficult situation. This can allow you to help your loved one in a healthy way while still being able to lead your own life.

The other group is to bring together the families and partners and the addicted person. It gives the addicted person the opportunity to learn how their addiction has affected family members and partners. It gives a forum for them both to express their thoughts and feelings.

Addiction weekly family free support group

Family support groups are aimed at families, partners and friends of people suffering from an addiction problem. When these problems arise, it can have a devastating effect on those who are close to the person. The family support group is there for so that you do not have to go through this alone.

Weekly addiction family support group benefits

Addictions are often said to be a family disease, as it drastically affects not only the person with the problem, it also overturns the emotions and lives of those close by. Those nearest to the sufferer often blame themselves, going through a range of emotions from despair and depression to anger and frustration, leaving them feeling exhausted and impotent and often less able to cope. The other person’s illness can sometimes consume them and make them less able to deal with their own lives. This group offers the support and experiences of other people who are going through the same crisis.

What to expect during the family support group

This group is anonymous and confidential, we only use first names. A therapist experienced in addictions is present to help facilitate the meeting. You do not have to speak and can just listen, but you may join in and ask questions if you feel able. We hope to give you the strength and understanding so that you are more able to deal with this situation, thereby allowing you to help your loved one in a healthy way, while still being able to lead your own life.

In accordance with government advice regarding the coronavirus pandemic, these sessions will now run remotely using the free video platform Zoom. 

You do not need to book or telephone to attend this group, however, you must be the family/friend of a current patient.

If you have any questions about the family support group please contact the Patient Services Team on 0207 535 7732.

Eating disorders family and friends support group

Supporting a loved one with an eating disorder can be demanding, overwhelming and emotional. Nightingale Hospital provides an opportunity for those who care for a Nightingale patient to share their experiences and receive support. 

This is a free service, and available to the parent, spouse, partner, sibling, friend or adult child of a current Nightingale patient. This peer support group is facilitated usually by our highly experienced Lead Therapist for Eating Disorders, Dr Joanna Silver.

This group is open to carers of all current eating disorders in patients who are seeking treatment at Nightingale for an eating disorder. Loved ones of recently discharged in-patients from Nightingale Hospital are also welcome to attend. You are able to join the support group at any point but recommend that you attend as many sessions as possible in order to get the most out of the groups.

In accordance with government advice regarding the coronavirus pandemic, these sessions will now run remotely using the free video platform Zoom. 

Each session will run from 6:30pm – 8:00pm. 

Eating disorders family and friends support group feedback

• “Since this was my first careers group each session was extremely meaningful to me.”
• “Very impressed with Joanna in all respects. Thank you.”
• “What was most useful? Hearing other people’s experiences, refreshing approach to caring and challenging ideas, sensitive and perceptive leading by Joanna, Zoom meant more accessible.”
• “It was good to meet up with other people who understand the complexities of caring for a loved one with an eating disorder. The group was well-led. Joanna is very knowledgeable and took the time to listen to everyone even though there were many needs and people at different stages of the journey.”
• “We cannot thank you enough for the education and advice this group has offered and the chance to discuss our questions with you and other careers of loved ones. We would be grateful if we could attend future Zoom meetings. We have started to read the advised book and already this is becoming of great help. Thank you again, Joanna.”