Small Items Make a Big Difference at Connect-ED

Small changes can make a meaningful difference to children and young people receiving treatment for an eating disorder. With funding from Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, the Connect-Eating Disorder Service (Connect-ED), has introduced a range of new clinic items, designed to support patients during their sessions.

Connect-ED provides specialist, evidence-based treatment, to support children and young people with eating disorders to remain in the community as much as possible. The team comprises of nurse therapists, dietitians, a psychologist, an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist and a speech and language therapist.

The new clinic items, which range from fidgets and markers to ear defenders and wobble-cushions, have allowed Connect-ED to make adjustments in sessions and to the clinical environment, which helps patients feel calmer and less anxious.

“It’s lovely to see patients using the new, quiet fidgets in our sessions. They are discreet and help patients remain calm and regulated while discussing distressing topics.”

Clinician, Connect-ED

Fidgets, markers and colouring books have been used in individual and group sessions, while emotion cards, which offer explanations of what emotions may look like, have benefitted young patients, including neurodiverse individuals who may struggle to recognise or communicate how they’re feeling. 

Value Cards have allowed clinicians to have conversations with children and young people about what matters to them. This is important when an individual is unwell with an eating disorder because the illness can make it harder to focus on other areas of their life.

Other resources include essential oil sprays which can be used to help patients explore what impact different scents may have on their mood, and yoga mats which are used in physiotherapy sessions to support patients with a safe return to movement and exercise.

“Connect-ED patients and staff alike are reaping the benefits of this investment. The success of the project highlights just how a few small adjustments, especially for individuals already going through so much, can make all the difference. The Connect-ED team is very grateful for the items Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity has funded.”

Connect-ED

Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity is proud to have funded these important resources, which are helping the Connect-ED service provide care that responds to the individual needs of every child and young person.