Our Services Include:

• 24/7 Multidisciplinary Support: Our expert team comprising psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, dietitians, occupational therapists, family therapists, and activity coordinators delivers round-the-clock care that integrates medical, psychological, nutritional, and therapeutic support tailored to each individual’s profile.
• Tailored Treatment Plans: Every care plan is co-produced with the patient and their family, reflecting personal goals, lived experience, and cultural context. Families are invited to join ward-based activities, participate in therapy sessions, and support the delivery of interventions where appropriate. Structured assessments help identify unique needs and set meaningful targets, supporting progress from acute intervention through to recovery and discharge.
• Safe, Supportive Environment: Our inpatient settings are designed to reduce distress and promote emotional regulation, with calm, therapeutic spaces and predictable routines that foster trust, safety, and engagement. Families are encouraged to visit regularly and collaborate with staff to maintain continuity of care.
• Autism Inclusive Adjustments: We offer sensory-friendly environments, communication support, and routine-based care for neurodiverse individuals. Staff receive ongoing training in neurodiversity and trauma-informed approaches to ensure inclusive, respectful care. Families are supported with education and practical strategies to continue these adjustments at home.
• ARFID and Disordered Eating Pathways: For individuals with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) or disordered eating linked to sensory, emotional, or developmental factors, we provide structured exposure therapy, sensory integration, and fear-reduction strategies tailored to their unique presentation. Families and loved ones are coached to reinforce these strategies beyond the hospital setting.

Ellern Mede’s inpatient programme is built to support complex, overlapping presentations, recognising that recovery requires a flexible, person-centred approach. Our goal is to help each individual regain control, rebuild confidence, and move forward with strength, dignity, and hope, together with their family as active partners in care.

Families

How do I know if my child has an eating disorder?

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Families: Essential Partners in Recovery

At Ellern Mede, we believe that families are not just involved, they are central to the recovery journey. Eating difficulties and complex mental health presentations often affect the entire family system, and we are committed to working in active partnership with families to rebuild trust, restore confidence, and support long-term healing.

Our Family-Centred Approach Includes:

• Family Involvement in Care Planning We hold regular multidisciplinary meetings where families are invited to co-produce care plans, set shared goals, and engage in transparent, collaborative decision-making. We value every voice and ensure that care reflects the lived experience of both the patient and their family.
• Education & Support Families receive tailored psychoeducation, access to workshops, and practical resources to help them understand the illness, navigate challenges, and support recovery at home. Our Parent Support Group, led by our Family Therapy Team, offers a safe space for sharing strategies, building resilience, and connecting with others.
• Respect for Diversity We work sensitively with all family structures, cultures, and belief systems, ensuring that care is inclusive, respectful, and responsive to individual values and needs. Our therapists are trained in trauma-informed and culturally competent approaches.
• Crisis Support We provide clear pathways for urgent concerns, emotional support during high-risk periods, and guidance through transitions such as discharge planning, often one of the most vulnerable phases for families. Our team is available to offer reassurance, problem-solving, and continuity of care.

At Ellern Mede, we understand that recovery is a shared journey. We walk alongside families with compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment, ensuring they feel empowered and supported every step of the way.

Recognising Disordered Eating and When to Seek Help

If you’re concerned that your child or loved one may be struggling with disordered eating, it’s important to seek professional advice early. Your family doctor or GP is a good first point of contact and can help guide you toward appropriate support.

While only a clinician can provide a formal diagnosis, the following SCOFF Questionnaire, developed by Morgan, Reid & Lacy is widely used in healthcare settings as a brief screening tool for eating related difficulties. It may help you reflect on whether further assessment or support could be beneficial.

SCOFF Questions:

• Do you make yourself Sick because you feel uncomfortably full?
• Do you worry you have lost Control over how much you eat?
• Have you recently lost more than One stone (6.35 kg) in a three-month period?
• Do you believe yourself to be Fat when others say you are too thin?
• Would you say that Food dominates your life?

Answering “yes” to two or more questions may indicate a level of disordered eating that warrants further exploration

Who We Support

Ellern Mede provides specialist inpatient care for individuals from age 8 with complex mental health presentations, often accompanied by disordered eating or eating disorders. For younger children, we recommend consulting a paediatrician, and for adults over 25, a service specialising in adult mental health.

If you’re unsure what support is right for your family, our team is happy to offer guidance and help you navigate next steps. You may also find it helpful to explore our jargon buster, which explains key terms and concepts in accessible language.

If You’re Struggling, You’re Not Alone

Mental health challenges, whether related to disordered eating, anxiety, trauma, neurodiversity, or emotional overwhelm can affect anyone. If you or someone you care about is struggling, reaching out is a powerful first step.

Speak to a Professional

• Your GP is a good starting point for accessing support, referrals, and clinical guidance.

Charities and Helplines Offering Support

These organisations offer free, confidential advice, emotional support, and practical resources for individuals, families, and carers:

• Beat Eating Disorders provides a helpline, Helpfinder directory of services, online groups, message boards, and Echo—a peer coaching service for carers. You can reach them on 0300 123 3355.
• Childline offers support for children and young people under 19. Their helpline is available at 0800 1111.
• Papyrus HOPELINEUK supports suicide prevention for young people and those concerned about them. Call 0800 068 4141 for help.
• The Mix offers mental health and relationship support for under-25s. Their helpline is 0808 808 4994.
• YoungMinds provides mental health support and a dedicated parent helpline. Contact them on 0808 802 5544.
• Mind supports adults with mental health challenges, including neurodiverse individuals. Their helpline is 0300 123 3393.
• Samaritans offer 24/7 emotional support for anyone in distress. You can call them anytime on 116 123.
• National Autistic Society provides advice and helplines for autistic individuals and their families. Reach them at 0808 800 4104.

Inclusive Support for Neurodiverse Individuals

If you or your loved one is neurodiverse (e.g. autistic, ADHD, sensory processing differences), many of the organisations above offer tailored advice and inclusive resources. Ellern Mede also provides autism-informed care, with sensory-friendly environments and communication support.