RecruitingInterventional

A feasibility and acceptability study of the SIBS group programme for siblings and parents of children with mental illness

Researchers and clinicians from the Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, are testing the SIBS programme with siblings (aged 8-17) and parents of children and young people who receives treatment for an eating disorder in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Many siblings of young people with eating disorders can struggle with their own worries, and have questions about the illness, but often do not get enough support. This study aims to adapt and test the SIBS programme, which has been developed and researched with families in Norway, to see if it works well in the UK. It will explore if families find the SIBS groups helpful and if it's practical for CAMHS staff to deliver. The programme focuses on helping siblings understand the illness through improved family communication. Families (siblings and parents) will take part in two in-person group sessions (approx. 2-2.5 hours), fill out some questionnaires, and have quick interviews over a few months. Participants will be reimbursed to take part in the interview. We are currently running groups in Cox Green near Maidenhead in Berkshire, England, and families who have questions or are interest in taking part can contact the study team: sibs@psych.ox.ac.uk

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

Start

20 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2026

Children (referred to as "siblings") aged 8 to 17 years, along with at least one of their parents, who have a child in the family receiving care from CAMHS for an eating disorder.

What is this study about?

This study is looking at a support programme called SIBS, which stands for Siblings and Parents. It's designed for brothers and sisters (aged 8 to 17) of children who are receiving care for an eating disorder, along with at least one parent. When a child in a family has an eating disorder, their brothers and sisters often have a challenging time too and may be more likely to experience their own mental health difficulties. However, there isn't much support specifically for these siblings.

The SIBS programme was first developed and used successfully in Norway. It helps families by improving communication and helping siblings understand their brother's or sister's illness better. The programme is delivered in group sessions and covers three main areas: helping siblings learn about the eating disorder, giving them a chance to talk about their feelings, and improving how the family talks to each other. The goal is to see if this programme, which has helped families in Norway, is also suitable and helpful for families here in the UK when delivered through local mental health services (CAMHS).

This study is a first step to see how well the SIBS programme works in the UK. Researchers want to find out if it's practical for CAMHS staff to deliver and if families find it useful and easy to take part in. If this pilot study shows good results, it could mean more support programs like SIBS might become available for families facing similar challenges in the future.

Key takeaways

The study helps brothers, sisters (aged 8-17), and parents of children with eating disorders.
It tests a programme called SIBS, which aims to improve family communication and understanding of the illness.
Families will attend two group sessions for about 2.5 hours each, one week apart.
Participation involves filling out questionnaires and short interviews over a 12-week period.
It's a study to see if the programme is helpful and practical to run in UK mental health services (CAMHS).

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, we are looking for children aged 8 to 17 years old who have a brother or sister being treated by CAMHS for an eating disorder. One of their parents also needs to be able to take part in the programme alongside them.

It's important that both the parent and the child can understand and speak English well enough to participate fully in the group sessions and answer questions. The brother or sister who is taking part in the study should not currently be receiving care from CAMHS for their own mental health condition. If the child is under 16, their parent will give permission for them to join, and the child will also be asked if they are happy to take part.

We welcome all types of siblings, whether they are biological, step, adopted, or foster brothers and sisters. If we find it difficult to find enough families, we might look into including families where the child has other mental health conditions like anxiety or mood disorders, but this would need special approval first.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you have a child aged 8 to 17?
Does this child have a brother or sister who is currently being treated by CAMHS for an eating disorder?
Can you, as a parent, and your participating child understand and speak English well enough for the group sessions?
Is your participating child not currently receiving care from CAMHS for their own mental health condition?
Can at least one parent commit to attending the two group sessions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your family will be involved for about 12 weeks. First, you and your participating child will complete some questionnaires about mental health, quality of life, and family communication. Your child will also have a short chat (about 10 minutes) about their understanding of their sibling's illness.

Then, your family will attend the SIBS programme, which involves two group sessions. These sessions are held one week apart, and each lasts about 2.5 hours. During these sessions, siblings will be in their own group with other young people, and parents will be in a separate group. Both groups will have trained healthcare professionals leading them. The programme also encourages some conversations between parents and children to practice new communication skills.

After the sessions, you and your child will fill out some questionnaires again, and your child will repeat their short interview. You also might be invited for a further interview to talk about your experiences with the programme. Finally, about 12 weeks after the programme finishes, you and your child will complete the questionnaires and the short interview one last time.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer your family better support and improved communication skills, although we can't guarantee direct benefits for everyone. Filling out questionnaires and talking about experiences could bring up some strong emotions. However, you can always choose not to answer any question you prefer not to. If you feel upset or find things difficult, you'll be given information about support services, and the study team's contact details will be available. Your involvement is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw from the study at any time.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Oxford, United Kingdom
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Trust Headquarters
City only
Bracknell, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is CAMHS?

CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. It's the NHS service that supports young people aged 0-18 with their mental health.

What kind of eating disorders are included?

This study is for families where a child is receiving care from CAMHS for any type of eating disorder.

Do both parents need to attend?

No, at least one parent needs to attend the two group sessions with the participating sibling.

Are the group sessions private?

Yes, all group sessions will be audio and video recorded to help the researchers understand the programme content, but these recordings are confidential and only for research purposes.

Will my child know if their sibling is in the study?

The study focuses on the well-being of the sibling without an eating disorder and involves their parent. The details of their sibling's care remain confidential within CAMHS as appropriate.

How to find out more

Amalie Schumann

sibs@psych.ox.ac.uk +44 (0)1865 618210 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.