17th February 2026: For Immediate Release

Communities across Ireland are being encouraged to get involved, light up purple, attend events and share messages of support as Bodywhys – The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland launches its annual Eating Disorders Awareness Week campaign from 23rd February to 1st March 2026.

This year’s theme, “Eating Disorders: Exploring Connection and Community,” places a spotlight on how relationships, support networks and shared understanding can play a vital role in early intervention and recovery for people affected by eating disorders.

Eating disorders are serious and complex mental illnesses, associated with an increased risk of mortality and suicide. While symptoms may involve food, weight or exercise behaviours, they are not primarily about food or appearance. They are driven by complex emotional and psychological factors which require compassion, understanding and support.

In 2025, Bodywhys provided support to over 5,200 individuals through its free and confidential services, including a helpline, email support service, chat and video-based support groups, and suite of family supports for those caring for someone with an eating disorder.

“Eating disorders are profoundly isolating illnesses. They can distort a person’s sense of identity and self-worth, and weaken the connections to family, friends and community that are so important in recovery’’ said Harriet Parsons, CEO of Bodywhys. “Whether someone is experiencing an eating disorder themselves or supporting someone who is, connection often plays a vital role in opening pathways to support, understanding and change. This year’s theme is about showing that recovery does not happen in isolation. Families, schools, workplaces and healthcare services all play a role in building connections and fostering communities that make early intervention and recovery possible.”

Throughout the week, Bodywhys will host a nationwide programme of free online and in-person events, developed in collaboration with its lived experience panels. Events include lived-experience discussions, clinical and research-focused webinars, and practical workshops for teachers and carers – all aimed at improving understanding and strengthening support networks for people affected by eating disorders in Ireland.

Numerous locations around the country will show their support by lighting buildings in purple throughout the week, including Dublin City Hall (23 February), Mansion House (24 February), Kilkenny County Hall (23rd – 27th February), Sligo City Hall (23rd Feb – 1st March), Cork City Hall (23rd Feb – 1st March), Cavan Courthouse (23rd Feb – 1st March), and Wexford County Hall (23rd – 26th February).

Members of the public are encouraged to get involved, attend an event, share photos of local purple lights using the hashtag #EDAW2026 and download social media assets to support the week virtually. When communities come together to support the campaign, we send a powerful message: you are not alone. Together, we can help people affected by eating disorders feel supported and connected, this year – and beyond.

Full event listings and registration details are available at:
www.bodywhys.ie

People can and do recover from eating disorders 

-ENDS-

Notes for Editors

• Bodywhys is the national voluntary organisation supporting people affected by eating disorders. An estimated 188,895 people in Ireland will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives. (Source: HSE National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders)
• Bodywhys programme of events for Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026 is available here: Bodywhys | Eating Disorders Awareness Week Events 2026
• Downloadable social media assets to support Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026 are available here: Bodywhys | Download FREE #EDAW2026 Materials
• Bodywhys free online psychoeducation PiLaR programme for family members, parents and carers starts on: Thursday, March 5th 2026, running from 7pm–9pm. To book a free place, please contact Christopher via pilar@bodywhys.ie
• Bodywhys online chat-based support groups, for adults, students and young people are available at www.bodywhys.ie
• Virtual video-based support groups for adults are available at www.bodywhys.ie
• Email support and a listening ear can be accessed via alex@bodywhys.ie
• Bodywhys Helpline Number: 01-2107906

For further information, please contact: