Bodywhys to set up local support group
The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland, Bodywhys, is preparing to establish a support group here in Longford.
The project is currently being researched by Bodywhys and if established will offer essential assistance to those in our region who are affected by eating disorders such as Bulimia and Anorexia.
"The support group would be set up on a basis of need," explains Dr Parvez Butt, National Chairperson of Bodywhys and a Newtownforbes resident. "Our target audience is usually the youngsters. We want to make them more aware of the conditions and the impact it can have on their lives."
According to the Department of Health and Children there are approximately 200,000 people with an eating disorder condition. Dr Butt believes that this figure should be higher.
"I feel that this figure should be nearer 250,000," he says. "Eating disorders are affecting youngsters from as young as eight years of age, and sometimes younger. An eating disorder is a killer. Not everyone dies from it, but it can be a killer."
Bodywhys is currently working with the Department of Education and Science to have information regarding eating disorders included in the secondary school curriculum.
This is part of the organisation's overall nationwide campaign to increase awareness on eating disorders and the support structure that is there for those affected.
Recently, Bodywhys has published 'A Resource for Parents', which provides detailed information on identifying and understanding eating disorders.
It also looks at the road to recovery and lists resources available online and throughout Ireland. To obtain a copy of 'A Resource for Parents', you can contact (in the strictest confidence) Bodywhys on 1890 200 444 or visit the Bodywhys website at www.bodywhys.ie.
'Focus on Recovery' is another project recently undertaken by Bodywhys. Photographer Yvette Monahan, a native of Sligo, produced a series of black and white photographs which were then coupled with the work of Richard Kelly, a gifted artist.
The result was an art exhibition which was officially launched by Miriam O'Callaghan at the Oisin Gallery in Dublin, on Thursday October 22 last.
"Miriam had a borderline eating disorder condition when she was in her teens," says Dr Butt.
"Consequently, she was more than happy to come on board and open 'Focus on Recovery'. We were delighted as there were over 200 people there."
Looking at his home area of Longford, Dr Butt believes that it is easy to see that we have an issue with disorders in our local area.
Also he feels that it is important to dispel the myth that eating disorders are a female only illness. In excess of 10 percent of sufferers are male.
If you feel that someone you know, or that you yourself are affected by an eating disorder you should contact Bodywhys on their local helpline on 1890 200 444. This is open seven days a week and is staffed by trained volunteers. All calls are treated with the strictest confidence. Also, there is BodywhysConnect, an online support group. To find out more about this, visit www.bodywhys.ie.
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Weather for Longford, Ireland
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Light rain
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