Supporting family and parents has always been a core aspect of our work. As part of this, we offer parents and families a free four week (1 evening per week) structured programme, incorporating both psycho-education and support, as well as practical advice and skills to help you support your family member towards recovery.

The PiLaR programme is delivered by Bodywhys, in support of the HSE’s Model of Care for Eating Disorders.

Understanding eating disorders, the mindset of a person, how to manage at home	Dealing with meal times, routines, different behaviours and triggers
Recovery – what is the recovery process and how does it happen?	Coping with relapse
Communication, active listening skills	Dealing with rejection/shut down/anger
How does change happen?	Helping a person to accept help

Parents, carers, grandparents, siblings, partners/spouses and friends supporting someone affected by an eating disorder are welcome to attend.

Please note – the programme is for family members or friends, not the person experiencing the illness.

The content and focus of the PiLaR is for you, as a family member. The programme provides a space for you to receive support in your role as parent/carer. Professionals or clinicians may attend week 1 only. The programme does not provide CPD training.

Places are FREE, but booking is essential

• If you wish to book a place as a parent, carer or family member, please contact Niamh Clarke niamh@bodywhys.ie or the Bodywhys office on 01-2834963.

If you work for the HSE, or a community organisation, and wish to request PiLaR in your area, please contact Harriet Parsons, Training and Development Manager, 01-2834963 harriet@bodywhys.ie

Since 2014, the programme has been delivered in:

• Antrim, Athlone, Carlow/Kilkenny, Cavan/Monaghan, Cork and Donegal
• Dublin – Cabra; Linn Dara – Cherry Orchard & Naas Road; Dublin North City & County – Swords; Stillorgan; and St. Vincent’s University Hospital
• Galway, Kerry, Laois, Limerick and Mayo
• Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford and Westmeath

Bodywhys and Cork Mental Health Services invite you to attend:

When: 4 Thursdays in January/February (starting January 23rd)
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Venue: Maldron Hotel, John Redmond St., Cork

To book, please contact Niamh Clarke niamh@bodywhys.ie or the Bodywhys office on 01-2834963

Cork January 2020 PiLaR poster – PDF

Bodywhys and Wicklow Mental Health Services invite you to attend:

When: 4 Thursdays in January/February (starting January 23rd)
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Venue: Arklow Bay Conference & Leisure Hotel, Sea Rd, Arklow, Co. Wicklow.

To book, please contact Niamh Clarke niamh@bodywhys.ie or the Bodywhys office on 01-2834963

Wicklow January 2020 PiLaR poster – PDF

We are pleased to announce the following Spring and Summer dates for further PiLaRs taking place in 2020.

• March 5th: Dublin
• May 21st: Galway
• May 21st: Carrick-on-Shannon
• More locations to be announced for Autumn 2020
• To book, or if you have a query, please contact Niamh Clarke niamh@bodywhys.ie or the Bodywhys office on 01-2834963

Your name will be added to a list to be contacted in the event the programme comes to your county. Your personal information is not circulated outside of Bodywhys.

Evaluation by Prof. Fiona McNicholas and Dr. Ingrid Holme, UCD

• An evaluation of the PiLaR programme, by UCD, was published on 26/02/19.
• You can read the PiLaR Evaluation Report – PDF here.