Gráinne Smith has worked for several years on the Eating Disorder Association helpline as a volunteer, putting to good use her training and experience as a former Samaritan. During that time she has spoken to hundreds of carers and sufferers as well as to many professionals.A founder member, now chairperson, of NEEDS Scotland (North East Eating Disorder Support) and a member of the Mental Health group that developed the Scottish Executive Health Department framework document for eating disorders services in Scotland, she has also taken part in Mental Health and Well-being Support Group visits to health boards and presented a petition on eating disorders to the Scottish Executive. She currently works to raise awareness of how poor mental health affects whole families while good mental health underpins physical well-being.During a long career in primary education, including nine years as head teacher of Fyvie Nursery and Primary School, Aberdeenshire, she enjoyed working with whole families and children aged from 3 to 12. As a writer, Gráinne has had short stories and poems published in magazines and anthologies; while working with Grampian Region she helped write and present courses for teachers and head teachers; she has also written many educational materials including coordinating and contributing to the pack ‘‘Fyvie Castle – Its Life and Legends’’.

“…February also sees the launch of a book of practical advice for parents by Grainne Smith… (Community Practitioner, 1 Jan 04) “…invaluable reading for any relative trying to support someone suffering from anorexia or bulimia…” (Independent, 19 January 2003)“…a welcome practical guide for parents…can be warmly recommended…” (Intl Jnl of Adolescent Med & Health, Vol 16(2), 2004“…offers vital support and advice to a family coping with, or recovering from, eating disorders…” (Here’s Health, April 2004)“… this is a very readable book, with a skilful interweaving of the author’s own story and suggestions and advice…” (Eating Disorders Resources, 4 May 2004)“…practical suggestions and ideas for coping…” (Human Givens Journal, July 04)

• About the author. Foreword by Professor Janet Treasure.Preface.Acknowledgements.Part I.1. Introductions.2. Arrivals.3. Prepare for a long road.4. Living with the volcano.5. Horrible habits and ghastly games.6. Family actions and reactions.7. Control issues.8. How bad can it get?9. Can the family survive Anorexia?10. You are not alone.11. Read all about it!12. Research – past and present.13. Anorexia, Bulimia and self-esteem.Part II.14. Anxious Annie, Soft Sue or Hard-hearted Hannah–the parents’ dilemma.15. Tips, techniques and strategies.16. Coming up for air – stress, distress and survival for carers.17. Pathways to professionals.18. End of the story . . . or rather, a new beginning . . . .Appendices.Definitions.Family areas affected by anorexia and bulimia nervosa.More carers’ conversations from the EDA helpline and meetings.Addiction/compulsive behaviour – going down . . . coming up!How to be a motivational carer.Useful addresses, phone numbers and websites.Recommended reading.Bibliography.Index.