THINGS YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW!
ABOUT THE GROUP
Is the group confidential?
Yes, See the page on ground rules.
Is there a charge for attending the group?
No.
How many people come to the group?
This varies on each night. Some people come regularly and some want to come less often. Sometimes there is a small group of only one or two people and on other evenings there can be a dozen or more.
What will I have to do? Will I have to speak?
It is very much up to you how you use the group. It is best if you can stay for the whole group but there is no obligation. You might be someone who prefers to just listen or maybe you find you can talk more easily. At the beginning of the group we ask everyone to introduce themselves and, but only if you wish, to say what you would like to get from the group. After that it is up to you whether or not you wish to say anything.
Are the facilitators qualified therapists?
Some of the facilitators have formal qualifications but these are not relevant to their role in the group. The group is for mutual support, not therapy. Faciliators work to set the group up, ensure that the group maintains its boundaries and, most importantly, make the tea!
Is the group for me?
The group is open to all people who consider themselves to have an eating disorder. Everyone's experience is different. No distinction or judgement is made in regard to age (other than being open to those aged 18 or over), duration or perceived severity of difficulties, weight, gender, religion, race or sexual orientation. The carers and relatives group is open to anyone over the age of 18 who is supporting someone in their lives who suffers from an eating disorder and for sufferers.
How do I arrange to attend the group?
All you need to do is to come along on the evening. No other arrangements are necessary.
I would like to come to the carers/supporters group - is it okay to come on my own?
The group is open to all. If you are a sufferer and want to come on your own then please do. Likewise if you are a friend/relative/supporter/carer you can attend with or without the person you have concerns for. The feedback we have been given is that all attendees are able to benefit from this group.
Why is the group only available to people aged 18 and over?
The legal and organisational requirements for running a group for people aged under the age of 18 are more complicated and demanding. This is beyond the resources available to us.
Is there access for people with disabilities?
Yes, there is access for wheelchairs. Guide/helper dogs are welcome.
Is there a local group for people aged under the age of 18 years?
Not that we know of. However, support can be obtained from Beat on their Youthline: 0808 801 0711and Email: [email protected]
I would like to volunteer as a facilitator. How do I go about this?
Email us and we will talk to you. If you have suffered yourself with an eating disorder we would want you to ensure that you have been recovered for a while before taking on the role.
I am involved in a research project in regard to eating disorders and would like to talk to the group about it or ask if anyone would like to participate. Is this possible?
No. We have tried to do this in the past and it has proved problematic. We have had a number of requests for this recently and have decided that we do not have the resources to assess which projects would be appropriate.
WHERE ELSE MIGHT I GET HELP?
Where could I get treatment/therapy?
For support from the NHS you would need to see your GP who can refer you for help. We are unable to recommend any private therapists.
What support should I be able to get from the NHS?
Most NHS services work to conform to NICE guidelines.
What are the local NHS services for people with eating disorders?
The local NHS service is Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.
How can I find out more about eating disorders?
There is a good section on this on the main BEAT website.
OTHER INFORMATION
How might I find out about any events happening locally or nationally?
We are regularly contacted by BEAT and other organisations regarding events.
We post these details on our FACEBOOK page.