Edit: Update 21/01/2019 – This study is now winding down. Another part will be launched in the Spring. We’ll keep you posted.

Call for Participants

What is the research about?

Researchers at Nottingham Trent University are undertaking research to investigate people’s experience of seeking help for an eating disorder in Ireland. The research is being conducted on behalf of Bodywhys, The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland and is funded by the HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention.

We are interested in hearing from people aged 18 and over, who are living with, or recovered from, an eating disorder as well as parents and carers. As part of this research, you will be able to discuss your views on health and support services for people with eating disorders and voice any positive or negative experiences you, or someone you care for, has had. This research will allow us to explore the quality of services/support provided and identify any gaps in service provision.

Can I take part?

If you are living with an eating disorder, are 18 years of age or older, and have experienced any type of care, then you can take part. You can also take part if you are a carer of someone living with an eating disorder who has experienced any type of care. Types of care involve any external interaction or contact with a person or service about the eating disorder including: a support group or other support services, your GP,  psychotherapist, counsellor, community mental health team, psychiatrist, social worker, and/or dietitians. These can be public or private services. You, or the person you care for, does NOT need to currently be in treatment or have received a formal diagnosis. Please note that service users must be over 18 years but a carer/parent caring for someone under 18 years can take part.

How will I be involved?

Interviews will be conducted over the telephone, Skype, or email; whichever preference you have and will last approximately one hour. The comments from everyone who is interviewed will be combined anonymously when the results are reported so that no-one can be identified.

The research team will provide all those who would like to take part with an information sheet which provides further details of the study. We will also answer any questions you have. If you would like to take part, please contact the research team at rosie.daly03@ntu.ac.uk and/or niamh.mcnamara@ntu.ac.uk.

This research study has received ethical approval from the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee at Nottingham Trent University.