- A 33% increase in email support requests.
- A 30% increase in attendance at face-to-face support groups.
- A 14% increase in attendance at BodywhysConnect, online support groups.
- That 10% of helpline calls and 11% of those who attended face-to-face eating disorder support group were men.
- That 34% of callers to the Bodywhys helpline had experienced an eating disorder for over 10 years
Harriet Parsons, Training & Development Manager with Bodywhys said: “It is clear that people affected by eating disorders require a range of support services. One-in-five of support requests (22%) to Bodywhys were through our helpline. Over half of support contacts (56%) came through online services. Email support in particular represented the largest element of support (38%) provided during 2016.”
Parsons added “Increased attendance at both our online and face-to-face groups shows that people want to hear from others going through similar experiences. Support groups can play a role in lessening feelings of isolation which are common amongst those affected by eating disorders. The growth in email support shows that personalised, one-to-one support is another key way of reaching people affected by eating disorders” said Parsons.
“Family members and friends are also impacted when a person has an eating disorder. Bodywhys is here for anyone who needs support, information and understanding.” added Parsons.
People can and do recover from eating disorders
-ENDS-
Notes for Editors
- The Department of Health & Children estimates that 200,000 people in Ireland are affected by eating disorders.
- According to the Health Research Board, in 2016, eating disorders represented 12% of all child and adolescent admissions to psychiatric units and hospitals.
- Bodywhys is the national voluntary organisation supporting people affected by eating disorders
- Bodywhys Helpline Number: LoCall 1890 200 444
- Bodywhys Online Support Groups are available at www.bodywhys.ie
- Support and a listening ear can be accessed via alex@bodywhys.ie
For further information, please contact:
Harriet Parsons, Training & Development Manager
Tel: 01 283 4963
helpline@bodywhys.ie
Barry Murphy, Communications Officer
Tel: 01 283 4963 or Mobile: 087 7769708
communications@bodywhys.ie
