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 and Cork
• Dublin – Cabra; Linn Dara – Cherry Orchard; 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 Linn Dara CAMHS invite you to attend:

When: November 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th

Where: Red Cow Moran Hotel, Naas Road, Dublin 22.

Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Bookings: As of 11/09/19, this programme is now fully booked.

Waiting list: To be added to the waiting list please contact Niamh Clarke niamh@bodywhys.ie or the Bodywhys office on 01-2834963.

Dublin – November 2019 poster – PDF

Bodywhys and Waterford Mental Health Services invite you to attend:

When: November 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th

Where: Lawlors Hotel, Bridge Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford

Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Bookings: Please contact Niamh Clarke niamh@bodywhys.ie or the Bodywhys office on 01-2834963.

Waterford – 2019 PiLaR poster – PDF

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.