EDA runs monthly support groups aimed at supporting anyone who is affected by an eating disorder. We run two separate groups, a support group for those individuals who are struggling with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa and a group for family members/parents/carers or anyone trying to support their loved one with an eating disorder. The groups run on the last Tuesday of every month at 7pm in our offices in Belfast and are facilitated by trained volunteers who have direct experience with eating disorders.
Our groups are facilitated by people who have lived personal experience of an eating disorder in their lives, they are experts by experience. The group’s ethos is that of hope and recovery and it is our hope that it provides people with a safe space in which they feel comfortable to open up and share their experiences and ultimately find the support that they need and deserve to enable them to challenge and fight against the illness.
EDA recognises that an eating disorder does not just impact the person with the illness alone, rather, it can have devastating effects on the family and the person’s loved ones. We also recognise that there is a lack of understanding and awareness about eating disorders and families often feel very confused, worried and lost when they realise that their loved one is struggling with an eating disorder. With this knowledge, we offer a family/carer support group to enable the family to gain a better understanding and to provide advice and support about how to support their loved one. The group provides practical support and information, as well as creating an opportunity to discuss and share feelings and experiences in a non-judgemental environment.
Groups are open to everyone and are free and confidential to attend, no appointments are necessary to attend our groups. If you would like more information about the groups please feel free to call into our centre or contact our helpline at any time. Helpline No. 02890235959.
