Claire Jackson founded Caraline in February 1994 following the death of her dear friend Caraline from an eating disorder. Claire recognised a lack of support services, and promised Caraline that she would pioneer a confidential counselling and support service for people living with an eating disorder.

She started a helpline in memory of Caraline in the front room of her home in Luton and from there moved to a small office in Luton. In 1998 Caraline was awarded funding to purchase the building where it is now based in Luton, from the National Lottery.

Since then the charity has gone from strength to strength and now provides a range of interventions and support funded by the NHS Luton and Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).

Since her book (My Body My Enemy) was published in 1997 clients have flown in from Israel, Ireland, America and Gibraltar. The Irish and Gibraltarian health services funded clients to fly over and receive specialist support from Caraline.