A free, video call-based structured group programme for adults affected by any eating disorder to help find support and build social connections. A diagnosis is not needed to join the programme, and it is open to those at any stage of recovery.

The REConnect group will start on Wednesday March 19^th, 2025, and run for six consecutive Wednesdays finishing on April 23^rd. Time; 7pm -9pm.

It is important that participants commit to attending all sessions.

The programme is limited to 10 participants and sessions will involve group activities

Eating Disorders are often accompanied by feelings of loneliness and isolation which can mean fewer opportunities to access support. Reclaiming life from an eating disorder is not just a physical and mental process, but a social one. Social connections help with the challenge of re-discovering an identity separate from the eating disorder and are vitally important for health:

The sense of community and togetherness that is built through connecting with others can be a powerful tool in breaking free from eating disorder thinking patterns. Eating disorders cause us to become so deeply entrenched in our own struggles we tend to lose touch with the outside world and the beautiful and exciting parts of being alive. The outside world feels alien. It can be overwhelming at first to even contemplate change and try to become part of something bigger again. But through building a support system, reconnecting with loved ones, putting ourselves out there and not being afraid to meet and engage with others, we can overcome that initial fear and gradually start to feel part of our community, society and world once again. – Emmy  

It is this social aspect of recovery that REConnect deals with. The programme aims to support participants to break cycles of loneliness and reach out and connect with others in a safe and appropriate way.

About the REConnect Group

• REConnect has been developed by Nottingham Trent University and is based on 12 years of research into the importance of social relationships for people living with or recovering from an eating disorder. The groups are run by trained Bodywhys facilitators, and the service is supervised by the Bodywhys Support Services Manager.
• Facilitators will deliver some psychoeducation and there will be group discussions on that week’s topic. Each session includes activities specifically designed to support these discussions.
• The group is based on the idea of mutual support. It is not a therapy group. Each session will involve practical engagement and dialogue with others through various activities, so potential participants are encouraged to think about whether they feel this type of structure is suitable for them, and their stage of recovery.

REConnect incorporates both psychoeducation and mutual support. It comprises 6 sessions (each lasting 2 hours, delivered weekly):

1. The Importance of Social Connection
2. Connecting in Everyday Life
3. Talking about my Eating Disorder with Others (or not)
4. Building my Support Network
5. Moving into the World: Building my Social Network
6. Bringing it All Together

To express your interest in attending REConnect, please complete the registration form. Please note, REConnect is not for family members, friends, partners, or researchers and professionals/treatment providers.

Ground Rules

• It is important that participants commit to attending all sessions.

• We ask that you remain present, with your camera on throughout the group. Participants may not be admitted after the group has started.
• Confidentiality and respect are emphasised. Please listen and respect other’s opinions and be courteous towards all participants. Please leave everything you discuss and hear in the group behind you when you leave.
• For the privacy of all attendees, we would ask that you find a quiet and secluded space to attend. We ask that you do not attend whilst driving, using public transport, or in busy public areas.
• Please use your first name or pseudonym only. If your full name is on screen one of the facilitators may change it for you.
• We ask that group members avoid talking about specific details of weight, food, or descriptions of eating disorder behaviours. Speaking about the experience and feelings around your eating disorder, and it’s behaviours is fine, but we ask that you be mindful that others have different experiences.
• It’s okay to discuss your experiences of treatment, and services, but please do not mention particular individuals.