In 2014, we developed PiLaR as a support programme for those supporting a person with an eating disorder, including family members such as parents, siblings, partners and friends. Family members have their own support needs and need a structure and space to feel heard.

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 (delivered once a week, over 2 hours) 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 National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders.

 

Note: the PiLaR programme is only for carers, parents, siblings, family members, friends. It is not a programme for clinicians. We offer information/training/CPD for clinicians separately.

If you are a professional, a clinician, an allied health professional who would like to enquire about CPD training in eating disorders please email Harriet Parsons, our Training and Development Manager on harriet@bodywhys.ie

As part of the ongoing support that the PiLaR Programme provides, having completed PiLaR, participants have the option of joining a twice monthly support group. This group has limited numbers and it is ONLY open to those who have attended PiLaR. Verification of attendance will happen.

Are you a sibling of a person with an eating disorder? Are you over 18, and have you attended the PiLaR Programme? Bodywhys is dedicated to growing the support services available in order to provide ongoing support to people affected by eating disorders.

As part of this, Bodywhys will run a support group for siblings. This will be delivered via Zoom, and attendance is limited to 20 places (allocated on a first-come-first-served basis). Please email pilar@bodywhys.ie to book a free place.

Bodywhys is offering New Maudsley Carer Skills workshops for parents who have completed our PiLaR programme.

Bookings:

To book a place, please contact pilar@bodywhys.ie

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.

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)