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
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.

At present, Bodywhys staff are working from home due to COVID19, as per the Government’s guidelines. We therefore cannot take PiLaR bookings through the office landline, by phone. Please contact pilar@bodywhys.ie with any queries on PiLaR.

For supports doing COVID19, please see here.

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.

Since 2014, PiLaR has been delivered in:

• Antrim, Athlone, Carlow/Kilkenny and Cavan/Monaghan
• Cork, Donegal and Dublin
• Galway, Kerry, Laois, Limerick and Mayo
• Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford and Westmeath
• Online – during Coronavirus (Covid-19)

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.