Annual Report our vision is that people “affected by eating disorders will have their needs met through the provision of appropriate integrated, quality service being delivered by a range of statutory, private and voluntary agencies ” Contents

Page No.

Chairman's & CEO's Report ...... 2

Overview of Services ...... 4

Helpline ...... 5

Support Groups ...... 7

Online Groups ...... 9

Email Support ...... 10

PiLaR Programme ...... 12

Communications ...... 13

Youth Development ...... 15

Other Activities ...... 17

Partnership Projects ...... 20

Statement of Financial Activities ...... 21

Balance Sheet ...... 22

Acknowledgements ...... 23

Company Information ...... 24

Annual Report 2015 1 Chairman’s & CEO’s Report

Welcome to our Annual Report 2015 I would like to acknowledge the valued ongoing support of the Health Service Executive and the funding that was provided in 2015. Bodywhys As Chairman of the Board of services are funded through a Directors, I am pleased to welcome national Service Level Agreement you to Think Bodywhys Ltd. Annual (SLA) with the HSE which supports report for 2015. It has been a busy our helpline, online services, support year for Bodywhys as we continue to groups, communications, youth support people in Ireland who are development and much more. affected by eating disorders. In 2015, Bodywhys continued to Bodywhys was established in 1995 expand its reach to those affected by and since its foundation has made a eating disorders. Email support Breda Naddy significant contribution to supporting services have seen a large increase in Chairman people affected by eating disorders, activity, but so too have the support including friends and family. From groups, the helpline and the online those early beginnings, Bodywhys is groups, resulting in an overall now firmly established as a well- increase of 10% using Bodywhys respected national support services. organisation. Our work and reputation was duly recognised on 2nd July when Project specific funding was received a delegation from Bodywhys was from the National Office for Suicide received by An tUachtarán, Michael D. Prevention (NOSP) to deliver the Higgins. This event acknowledged 20 PiLaR (Peer Led Resilience) years of work by Bodywhys in the programme to parents and carers. In area of eating disorders. President 2015, Bodywhys delivered support to Higgins was generous in his praise families in Carlow/Kilkenny and and the event was a fitting tribute to Cavan. The positive feedback from the work of the organisation and the participants indicate that the content commitment of all involved – our of the course, as well as peer support founder members; supporters; experience, are valuable outcomes of volunteers; board and staff. this programme.

2 Chairman’s Introduction Chairman’s & CEO’s Report

During the year, the Board of Jacinta Hastings Directors has continued its Chief Executive Officer commitment to ensuring good governance in every aspect of the Harriet Parsons organisation, as a priority strategic Services Manager development. The newly established Charity Regulatory Authority (CRA) Fiona Flynn has developed a new set of standards Youth Development Officer for all charities registered in Ireland. Bodywhys is committed to working Mary Crean with the regulator and maintaining full Administrator compliance and the highest standard of good governance in 2016. Helen McSherry Administrator (maternity leave cover The work of Bodywhys during 2015 from August) Jacinta Hastings, CEO was supported by a committed team working under the direction of the CEO. Barry Murphy Communications Officer Finally, my sincere and heartfelt thanks to my fellow Directors of Bodywhys, our highly-committed and diligent team of staff and volunteers; our funders within the HSE and the many people who undertake fundraising on our behalf. Your interest in and support of our work is much appreciated.

Breda Naddy , Chairman

Welcome Annual Report 2015 3 Overview of Services

- Bodywhys recognises that everyone’s Figure 1: Breakdown of how people experience and eating disorder is contacted Bodywhys unique, and we provide a safe space for people to begin to put words on what is Admin Email: 8% happening to them. Admin Line 1%

Helpline 30% I would like to take this opportunity Support Email 31% to thank all of the volunteers across Bodywhys services who have so Support Groups 11% generously given their time and energy Online Groups 19% to supporting those affected by eating disorders in Ireland. Volunteers remain 30% the backbone of our organisation. 1% 8% Harriet Parsons In 2015, there was a 10% increase in people using Bodywhys support 31% 19% services. The email support service, showed the most significant increase 11% It is never easy to ask for help, or to try in usage, with a 48% rise in 2015. to be heard. An eating disorder thrives In addition, attendance at face-to-face on fear, fear of the unknown, and fear support groups increased by 19%. of change. Letting an eating disorder In 2013 and 2014, where the age of go, and embarking on the difficult path the person with an eating disorder to recovery, requires patience, contacting our helpline was known, Based on Figure 1 , the traditional security, and a place to speak and be the majority of people were aged helpline remained a preferred way of heard. Often, ongoing support is 25-35 years. In 2015, there has been contacting Bodywhys, however, with needed whilst going through recovery. a 9% increase in people aged 36-55 a more general trend towards people Bodywhys strives to offer support and an 8% increase in people aged using technology for help seeking, the services and a space for this to happen. over 56 years old. This means that email support service accounted for the majority of calls taken in 2015 the majority of contacts. Looking at All Bodywhys support services are concerned someone aged over 36 the divide between technology based on the support ethos under- years old. This trend also emerged on facilitated contacts, and ‘in person’ pinning all of our support services - our email support service, with a 20% contacts, 58% of people contacted we do not focus on food or weight, or increase in contacts from people aged Bodywhys using an online service. the specific behaviours that a person over 36 years old. This is yet more is experiencing. We listen and try to evidence to challenge the myth that an understand how a person is feeling. eating disorder is a ‘teenage issue’.

4 Overview of Services Helpline – 1890 200 444

Helpline – 1890 200 444 The helpline is much more than an As noted in Figure 4 , eating disorders The Bodywhys helpline is a 'listening information service. It is also a are not just a female issue, and ear' service and all volunteers are listening ear service and a safe space continuing the general trend from trained to deliver a safe, non- where a person can speak about their previous years, the breakdown in judgemental, non-directive, listening, experiences without a fear of gender of people with an eating support and information service to judgement or pressure to act. These disorder reflected the male to people affected by eating disorders. types of calls were categorised as female ratio of 1:10. During 2015, the helpline operated for ‘listening ear’ contacts. From Figure 3 , 2 hours per day, 6 days per week. 69% the majority of calls in 2015 fell into Figure 4: Gender of person with an of callers made contact for the first this category. 54% of callers just eating disorder time and 31% were repeat callers. wanted to talk something through and explore their options. 17% of callers Gender of PWED (Male): 9% Continuing the trend from previous were in crisis, whilst 29% were seeking Gender of PWED (Female): 91% years, Figure 2 shows an even divide information. between calls from people with eating disorders (PWED) and those from family and friends (FF). 91%

Figure 2: Who contacted the helpline? Figure 3: Why did people call? 9%

Helpline Contact PWED: 47% Listening Ear: 54% Helpline Contact Family/Friend: 47% Information: 29% Helpline Contact Other: 6% Crisis: 17%

47% 54%

6% 17% 47% 29%

Helpline Annual Report 2015 5 Helpline (continued)

In the past two years the majority of Figure 5: What age is the person callers concerned a person with an with the eating disorder? eating disorder aged 25-35 years. 2014 2015 This highlighted very clearly that an eating disorder is not unique to Under 10 yrs 3% 2% teenagers. From Figure 5 , in 2015, 10-14 yrs 15% 11% there was a 9% increase in people 15-18 yrs 22% 23% aged 36-55 years and an 8% increase 19-24 yrs 16% 14% in those aged over 56 years old. These statistics show that an eating disorder 25-35 yrs 27% 16% can affect people of every age. 36-55 yrs 13% 22% 56+ yrs 4% 12% Bodywhys does not diagnose anyone <10 10-14 15-18 19-24 25-35 36-55 +56 who accesses its support services and individuals do not need a diagnosis in order to engage with the organisation. Figure 6: What type of eating disorder? Figure 6 reflects the type of eating 58% disorder a person was experiencing, Anorexia: 58% where disclosed. Bulimia: 16% 3% Binge Eating Disorder (BED): 23% Based on Figure 7 , and continuing 23% 16% what occurred in 2014, the majority EDNOS/OSFED: 3% of callers (where the duration of the eating disorder was known) had experienced an eating disorder for over 10 years. Figure 7: How long has the person had an eating disorder? Callers do not always discuss whether 0-6 months: 6% they are in treatment when they contact Bodywhys. Where known, 7-12 months: 14% 51% were not in any form of 1-2 years: 14% treatment, 10% of callers had been 2-5 years: 13% to a GP, 11% were attending a 5-10 years: 7% psychotherapist/ counsellor privately, and 26% were under the care of a 10+ years: 46% psychiatrist and/or attending a 0-6m 7-12m 1-2yrs 2-5yrs 5-10yrs 10+yrs hospital for treatment, or public mental health services (see Figure 8) . Figure 8: Type of current treatment? 51% None: 51% GP only: 10% 10% Psychotherapy: 11% 26% 11% GP + Psychotherapy: 2% 2% Psychiatrist/hospital: 26%

6 Helpline Support Groups

Figure 9 highlights the breakdown of Figure 10: Who attended groups? Examining this further, the gender where people attended our support 2014 2015 breakdown for each type of support groups, with the majority being in group, in Figure 11.2 (a) that 6% of Overall PWED Attendees: 76% 69% Dublin. people attending our PWED support Overall FF Attendees: 24% 31% groups were male, and 94% were Figure 9: Breakdown of attendance female. For those attending our FF group, in Figure 11.2 (b) 37% were Dublin Central: 85% male, and 63% were female. Dublin TCD: 5%

Carlow: 4% 11.2 (a) Eating Disorder Group 2014 2015 Sligo: 6% Male PWED: 2% 6% Female PWED: 98% 94% 5% 4% 6% 85% PWED Attendees FF Attendees

Regarding the gender breakdown of those using the support groups, in 2015 there was a slight increase of 3% in males attending ( see Figure 11.1 ).

In recognition of the situation that 11.1 Overall Gender Breakdown Male PWED Female PWED when a person has an eating disorder, 2014 2015 not only the person themselves, but Male: 12% 15% those around the person are also 11.2 (b) Family & Friends Group Female: 88% 85% affected, Bodywhys has always 2014 2015

provided support to family and Male FF: 44% 37% friends. The organisation has provided Female FF: 56% 63% two types of support groups, one for people with an eating disorder (PWED) and one for family and friends (FF). In 2015, (see Figure 10 ) 69% of people who attended groups were those affected by an eating disorder, and 31% were family and friends. Overall, there was a 19% increase in attendance compared to 2014. Male Female

Male FF Female FF

Support Groups Annual Report 2015 7 Support Groups (continued)

Figure 12 indicates that 46% of Individuals accessing Bodywhys Bodywhys face-to-face support people attending our support groups support groups do not require a formal groups are for people over 18 years of were there for the first time, and 54% diagnosis to attend. Where known, age. Volunteer facilitators do not ask were returning or regular attendees. Figure 13 highlights the breakdown people’s ages in the group, but rather Again, this highlights how, for some according to eating disorder type. note whether a person is over or people, attending the support group This is important to show because under 25 years old. Continuing the was a source of ongoing support. often a person fears attending a trend observed through the helpline, support group because they feel they Figure 14 illustrates that the majority do not ‘fit in’ to a specific weight of people attending support groups category, and following the group, were over 25 years old. people often express relief at having come and been accepted by the group.

Figure 12: First time or return? Figure 13: What type of eating Figure 14: What age are those attending disorder? the support groups? First Time: 46% 2014 2015 Return: 54% Anorexia: 26% Over 25: 64% 53% Bulimia: 23% Under 25: 36% 47%

46% BED: 10% Other: 41%

54% 26% 23%

10% 41%

Over 25 Under 25

8 Support Groups Online Groups

Online Support Groups Based on Figures 15b and 15c , the Figure 15c: BodywhysConnect Bodywhys runs separate online majority of those who attended the attendance by Eating Disorder Type adult group were aged 18-25 years support groups for adults and for Anorexia: 44% teenagers aged 13-18. Both groups old, whilst individuals who identified Anorexia/Bulimia: 23% operate once a week, for 90 minutes as having anorexia accessed the group per meeting. In 2015, Bodywhys online most often. Based on Figure 15d , the Bulimia: 17% volunteer facilitators provided 104 majority of participants who accessed Binge ED: 11% the group for teenagers were aged support groups throughout the year. Overeating: 2% 16-18. EDNOS/OSFED: 3% Figure 15a illustrates the breakdown of those attending for the first time, Figure 15b: BodywhysConnect and those who returned to the online attendance by age 44% groups. Compared to 2014, there was Age 18-25: 55% a 5% increase in repeat users in the 3% 2% adult group and 4% increase in first Age 25+: 45% 23% 11% time users in the group for teenagers. 17% 55% Figure 15a: First time or return? 2014 2015 2014 2015 Adult Adult Teen Teen 45% First time: 25% 20% 20% 24% Return: 75% 80% 80% 76% Figure 15d: YouthConnect attendance by age

Age 13-15: 23% Age 16-18: 77%

23%

77%

First Time Return

Online Groups Annual Report 2015 9 Email Support

Email Support Service Again, the email service was not The gender breakdown for the email In reviewing statistics from the email merely a source of information. In fact, service was 8% male and 92% female, service, it was evident that a higher the majority of people who emailed see Figure 18 . percentage of people affected by an were not seeking specific information, eating disorder contacted Bodywhys but were looking to open up, to seek Figure 18: Gender of person with an by email compared to by phone. From relief from the turmoil in their minds, eating disorder 2014 2015 and to connect with someone who Figure 16 , in 2015 approximately Male 3% 8% might understand them. Figure 17 81% of email contacts wrote about Female 97% 92% their eating disorder experiences and shows that 58% of emails received sought personal support. were of this nature.

Figure 16: Who contacted the Figure 17: Why did people email email service? 2014 2015 Bodywhys? 2014 2015 Self 75% 81% Listening Ear 53% 58% Family / Friend 23% 16% Information 30% 28% Other 2% 3% Crisis 17% 14% Unknown 1% 1%

Male Female

Self F/F Other Unknown Listening Ear Information Crisis

10 Email Support Email Support (continued)

In 2015, Figure 19 shows that 29% Figure 19: What age is the person email contacts were aged 15-18 years with the eating disorder? and 25% were aged 36-55 years. 2014 2015 This was interesting and many Age PWED under 10 2% 3% theories could be put forward for Age PWED 10-14 13% 7% why these two age categories were Age PWED 15-18 28% 29% dominant. From a Bodywhys Age PWED 19-24 24% 17% perspective, the organisation remains Age PWED 25-35 25% 16% hopeful that people of all ages can Age PWED 36-55 6% 25% access the email service for support. Age PWED 56+ 2% 3% <10 10-14 15-18 19-24 25-35 36-55 +56 Where known, Figure 20 shows the type of eating disorder experienced Figure 20: What type of eating by those who emailed. disorder? 2014 2015 Again, echoing a pattern from the Anorexia 49% 60% helpline, Figure 21 illustrates that the Bulimia 11% 10% majority of people who emailed in BED 10% 11% 2015 had experienced an eating EDNOS/OSFED 9% 4% disorder for over 10 years. Unknown 21% 15%

From Figure 22 , where known, 49% of Anorexia Bullimia BED E/O Unknown email contacts were not in any form of treatment, 5% had been to a GP, Figure 21: How long has the person 19% were attending a psychotherapist/ had an eating disorder? counsellor privately, and 25% were 2014 2015 under the care of a psychiatrist and/or 0-6 months 5% 8% attending a hospital for treatment, or public mental health services. 7-12 months 9% 11% 1-2 years 11% 18% 2-5 years 31% 13% 5-10 years 6% 6% 0-6m 7-12m 1-2y 2-5y 5-10y 10+y 10+ years 38% 44%

Figure 22: Type of treatment?

2014 2015 None 61% 49% Unknown 5% 5% GP only 5% 5% Psychotherapy 11% 19% GP + Psychotherapy 2% 1% Psychiatrist/Hospital 20% 25% Dietician 1% 1% None Un GP P GP+ P/H D

Annual Report 2015 11 PiLaR Programme

In 2015, Bodywhys delivered support Benefits of the programme, as Programme feedback: to families in Carlow/Kilkenny and identified by families: Cavan. Taking place one evening per “Found the 4 weeks very week for 4 weeks, and based on the “Getting hope and learning to live informative and feel much idea of ‘Peer-Led Resilience,’ the in the stage we are at” stronger with dealing with the PiLaR programme addresses the illness” fundamentals of understanding eating “The message that as a parent disorders, as well as providing you can help your child through “It was a real eye opener, loads structured help and support on the this to recovery” of tips, pointers and personal specific obstacles, difficulties and stories shared that helped us challenges of supporting a person “Learning to face up to and talk face this” with an eating disorder through the about the illness” recovery process. There was “It has been more help than I consistent positive feedback from “Being able to understand that could have dreamed of… I felt families who participated in the the eating disorder is not self- more empowered and hopeful programme, not only with regard to inflicted” each time I left.” content and practical advice, but also in relation to the peer support that “Reflecting on the turmoil and “It has been useful to listen to families both gave and received level of anxiety of daughter” other parents’ experiences” during the programme. “Meeting other people and “I felt I was in a safe environment, Topics addressed ranged from: how to listening to their stories, knowing to speak or ask a question” understand what an eating disorder is we are not alone” and why a person just can’t stop, coping with meal times, managing “Understanding that the eating anger, coping with everyday triggers, disorder voice takes over” supporting siblings and other members of the family, understanding the distorted thinking in an eating disorder, coping with special occasions such as Christmas, Easter, birthdays, and how to understand the recovery process.

Bodywhys is grateful to the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) for its support of the programme.

Bodwyhys PiLaR Poster for Kilkenny

12 PiLaR PiLaR Programme Communications

The nature of the requests included amongst 25-35 year olds, the use of topics such as: January diets, eating laxatives, beach bodies, disorders in Ireland, the impact of perfectionism, online bullying, a mental health difficulties on families, genetic component in binge eating, muscle dysmorphia, social media and and buying tablets online, were topics selfies, body image and children, of interest during the Summer. Eating Eating Disorders Awareness Week, disorders and men, orthorexia, eating support services statistics from disorders in children and adolescents, Bodywhys, men, orthorexia, binge volunteering, muscle dysmorphia and eating disorder, the impact of harmful debate about thin models received online content, legislation in France, coverage in the Autumn. Finally, diet pills, body shaming, and November and December’s coverage managing eating disorders during the focused on stress related to body Christmas period. ideals, the perfect body, healthy foods Barry Murphy and ‘clean’ eating, orthorexia, and the A number of journalists requested pressure of perfection and selfies. input from individuals with personal experience of an eating disorder. Print Media Statistics MEDIA ACTIVITIES Bodywhys remains grateful to the Bodywhys uses key words to identify members of the organisation’s Media eating disorder related articles in the Panel for their willingness to engage 2015 saw a 25% increase in requests print media. In 2015, general eating with the media. and contacts from journalists and the disorders (GED) and anorexia mainstream media. February and June generated the largest amount of Print Media Coverage were the busiest periods of the year, coverage. GED is where the issue is with radio and print being the most Media reporting of eating disorders reported in a general way rather than common form of requests. and related issues continued steadily focusing on a specific diagnosis. throughout 2015. In January, there Articles by Eating Disorder was discussion of controlling food, a Media Queries for 2015 Anorexia: 38% pill for binge eating and post- Radio: 64 Christmas diets. Anorexia, bulimia, Bulimia: 8.6% Television: 14 selfies, alcohol and eating disorders, Binge Eating Disorder: 4% and men arose during February. A ban Print: 48 General Eating Disorders: 48% on hiring underweight models, body OED (orthorexia/other categories): 1.4% Online: 6 confidence, the launch of a new service in the North West region, an electrode treatment for anorexia, 64 38 body image and self-esteem were 81.6 highlighted in March. In April, Bettie 4 6 14 Marie Burger-Smit undertook An Trek 1.4 48 Fada II, a walk from Wexford to 48 Killarney, to raise funds for Bodywhys. This was covered in Wexford’s local newspapers. Concerns about diets, disordered eating, understanding eating disorders

Annual Report 2015 13 Communications (continued)

The Irish Daily Mail , Belfast Telegraph ONLINE Social Media and Irish Daily Mirror generated most Popular posts on social media of the eating disorders related articles Bodywhys eBulletin included: World Mental Health Day, throughout the year. Regional 6 issues of the Bodywhys eBulletin an information event in Sligo, publications such as the Argus , Bray were sent during 2015. Subscriber photographs from Bodywhys’s visit to People , Corkman and Enniscorthy numbers increased by approximately Áras an Uachtaráin and An Trek Fada II. Guardian also provided some 4.3% compared to the previous year. In addition to posting about its own coverage. Bodywhys was mentioned in The design of eBulletin was also work and activities, Bodywhys 128 articles during 2015, bringing a updated. An archive of eBulletins can supported the Green Ribbon potential readership of approximately be found the Bodywhys website: campaign, the Health Service 5.59 million (distributed edition). www.bodywhys.ie Executive’s (HSE) #littlethings Bodywhys was most frequently campaign and Mental Health referenced in the Irish Sun , Irish Daily Bodywhys Website Reform’s activities. Mail , Irish Examiner and Sunday The Bodywhys website Independent . The references ranged Social networking sites were a source www.bodywhys.ie continued as a from a mention of the Bodywhys of positive feedback about Bodywhys. website or helpline, to an interview vital resource with traffic steady throughout 2015. 71% of all visitors with a staff member, or in relation to Thank You Fiona from @bodywhys accessed the site from Ireland, whilst those with previous experience of an who's talking to our students today approximately 44% logged on using eating disorder. regarding Body Image & Eating tablet and mobile devices. February, Disorders #EDAW2015 Eating Disorders Awareness Week March and November were the months with the highest level of activity on 2015 Media Coverage Great interview Harriett Parsons (sic) the website. Overall, 64,525 unique The media coverage of EDAW 2015 @bodywhys @NewstalkFM on such an visitors logged on to the website was driven by a press release that a significant topic,especially difficult during 2015. An increase of 4.5% focused on increased demands for for people around xmas/new year. compared to figures from 2014. eating disorder supports through In 2015, the most read sections of the Bodywhys helpline and online the website included: binge eating support group for 13-18 year olds, disorder, stats and facts, anorexia, YouthConnect . treatment options and personal stories. Bodywhys received media requests from: RTÉ television and radio, the Irish Daily Mail, Irish Examiner , Irish Independent , The Herald , Irish Mirror , Community Radio Castlebar, Clare FM, C103 Cork, Dublin’s 98 FM, Dublin City FM, Dublin South FM, Kildare FM, KCLR FM , Highland Radio, Newstalk FM, Northern Sound, Phoenix FM, Tipp FM, Spin South West, Wired FM, WLR FM and 96FM .

14 Communications Youth Development

Secondary Schools Low body image, along with feeling At post-primary level, Bodywhys consumed by pressures from social continued to facilitate requests from media, was discussed as a hindrance schools and youth groups, in particular from enjoying life and other activities. to talk to students about eating Participants in the focus group were disorders and body image through the keen to identify suggestions on coping ‘Be Body Positive’ programme. Over with such pressures. 6,100 students received this programme in 2015. Bodywhys also Subsequent focus groups were provided talks to parents of secondary conducted with transition year school students in relation to under- students in groups of 10-15 in standing eating disorders, with an Castleknock Community College in additional focus on promoting positive December 2015. These groups also body image amongst young people. cited social media as the main source Fiona Flynn of the pressure they reported Bodywhys carried out qualitative experiencing. All involved felt that a research with young people from programme incorporating ideas from Comhairle na nÓg in relation to body young people on how to cope with EDUCATION image and self-esteem. This was to aid body image pressure, including development of a new programme for managing social media activities, Primary Schools secondary schools. During the summe r, would be very valuable. Throughout 2015, Bodywhys focus groups were conducted with Based on this feedback, Bodywhys developed a positive body image and 12 young people, male and female developed pilot materials and video self-esteem programme for primary aged 16-22. They were asked a range footage of young people talking about schools. Materials for the programme of questions regarding the type and body image related issues. The were completed in October and source of stress faced by young materials were piloted in a school in distributed to mixed and single sex people in relation to body image and December 2015 and will be further schools during a pilot phase. Initial how to manage it. Social media evaluated in 2016 before final feedback from teachers was very emerged as the primary source of materials are developed. positive. It is expected that the concern around body image. The young completed programme will become people described how the number of available in 2016. ‘likes’ on profile pictures was frequently a source of worry and they felt that responses through social media were associated with self- judgement. The focus groups also be discussed a preoccupation with updating photos online and the body potential negative impact on someone’s quality of life. positive

Youth Development Annual Report 2015 15 Youth Development (continued)

Third Level Youth Events Other work Bodywhys was represented at various In 2015, Bodywhys spoke to a further In December, Bodywhys contributed to mental health related events and 2,000 young people through talks the Mental Health Lab event in UCD. awareness weeks in colleges and workshops at youth events Bodywhys continued to provide input nationwide during 2015. Talks about nationwide. Examples included: Teen into professional development at eating disorders were provided to Aware in Westmeath, Cycle Against in-service days and events nationwide medical teams and counselling Suicide events in Dublin and – including SPHE training, training for services in universities and colleges. nationwide and an information youth workers in various settings In October, Bodywhys joined a panel stand at the Young Social Innovators including through Youth Work Ireland. discussion on body image in Trinity (YSI) showcase in Citywest, Dublin. Bodywhys provided training for College Dublin as part of Body and Over 3,000 young people from across teachers and guidance counsellors at Soul Week. Ireland attended the YSI event. As in-service days on eating disorders, always, there was significant interest body image and promoting positive in the Bodywhys stand. body image in students.

16 Youth Development Other Activities

Annual Awareness Campaign Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) ran from February 23 rd – March 1 st , 2015.

Throughout awareness week, a variety of information and awareness events took place across the country, including:

• Bodywhys PiLaR programme for parents in Kilkenny. • Information stands in Cavan General Mary Crean Helen McSherry Hospital, St. Angela’s College, Sligo, IT Sligo and St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin. • An information talk for mental health Helen McSherry joined the Bodywhys IT Sligo nurses in Louth County Hospital. team in August, to provide maternity In conjunction with the Department of • An information event for general leave cover. Life Sciences, IT Sligo, a work placement practitioners in Louth County Hospital. was facilitated. Eimear Nulty joined • Dr Kielty Oberlin, Counselling Training & Education Bodywhys from April-June. Psychologist, delivered a public talk Bodywhys responded to a number of ‘Diet or Disorder?’ in Wicklow, training requests from relevant health Volunteers & Talks in conjunction with Wicklow Mental professionals working in the area of A new intake of Bodywhys support Health Association. eating disorders. Our training module service volunteers were trained in • The Style Society in DCU hosted ‘Understanding Eating Disorders’, February, whilst additional helpline a fashion show. provided the professionals with an volunteers were trained in November. understanding of eating disorders and Also in February, Harriet Parsons • Bodywhys spoke to students from the recovery process, with a view to Services Manager with Bodywhys the Nutrition Society in DIT. increasing their knowledge base. This gave a public talk: ‘Eating Disorders training was delivered to staff in and Depression: The Link’. This event, Casadh, Clare Addiction Centre, in conjunction with Aware, was held in Glendoher Care House, Limerick Cluin St Patrick’s Mental Health Services. Mhuire and Pathways Ireland. A video of the talk is available on Information talks were given to Aware’s Youtube channel. Harriet Limerick Foster Carers, the Mullingar Parsons contributed to audio and video Soroptimist Group, and as part of recordings and lectures for a module ‘Healthier Dance Week’ in Digges Lane about eating disorders in Trinity College Dance Centre. Dublin’s School of Nursing. Harriet also gave a lecture on understanding eating disorders as part of UCD’s Women’s and Harriet Parsons describing eating disorders Men’s Health Studies. and depression, February 2015

Other Activities Annual Report 2015 17 Other Activities (continued)

Bodywhys Literature and Fundraising Activities Information Stands In May, Bettie Marie Burger-Smit Throughout the year, Bodywhys undertook An Trek Fada II (The Long hosted information stands in Athlone Walk II) from Wexford to Killarney. IT, Carlow IT, Sligo IT, Waterford IT and Hannah-Lilly Buchanan, a woman with TCD. Additional stands were held in personal experience of an eating support of college mental health weeks, disorder, gave a talk in Mullingar. 10% Fettercairn Health Fair and events of the ticket sales went to Bodywhys, such as Let’s Go Mental Youth Event. Headstrong and Aware. In June, a number of people participated in the In May 2015, Bodywhys published the VHI Women’s Mini-marathon, and second edition of the organisation’s Bodywhys is grateful and would like to binge eating disorder self-help thank everyone for their generosity booklet. ‘Binge eating: Breaking the and support. Cycle: A self-help guide towards recovery’. First published in 2006, the frequently requested booklet discusses self-care, the cycle of binge eating and taking back control and ‘Binge eating: Breaking the Cycle: coping with change. A self-help guide towards recovery’.

In December, Bodywhys developed a new leaflet about eating disorders in Ireland, adapted and reprinted with kind permission from Eating Disorders Victoria.

Information leaflet

18 Other Activities Other Activities (continued)

Celebrating 20 Years of Bodywhys In recognition of the organisation’s 20 years of work in the area of eating disorders, staff, volunteers and friends of Bodywhys were invited to meet President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin in July.

Meeting with President Michael D. Higgins Visit to Áras an Uachtaráin at Áras an Uachtaráin Annual Report 2015 19 Partnership Projects

Green Ribbon Campaign The Project Board had their final Association of Child and Adolescent Bodywhys supports See Change’s meeting during the last week of Mental Health (ACAMH) Green Ribbon Campaign, which April at which they reflected on the Harriet Parsons attended the ACAMH promotes mental health awareness project’s challenges and achievements. conference on ‘Transformations in and positive mental health, during One of the main successes of the Youth Mental Health’. As well as the month of May each year. project has been the mainstreaming insightful presentations, including of staff into each of the four CAWT a theatre piece, there were areas after the EU funding phase. presentations on current research into the area. Mental Health Reform (MHR) Parvez Butt, Jane O’ Riordan and Console Conference HSE Clinical Programme on Eating Jacinta Hastings attended Mental Marie Devine represented Bodywhys Disorders Health Reform’s briefing on ‘A Vision at the Console World Suicide Bodywhys welcomes the development for Change: Nine Years On: A coalition Prevention Day Conference which of a national clinical programme on analysis of progress’. Speakers were was held in the Aviva Stadium on eating disorders in line with national Shari McDaid, John Saunders, Dr. Mike 10 th September 2015. mental health policy, A Vision for Watts and Dr. Eddie Molloy. Change (2006) and participates on College of Psychiatrists of Ireland the national working group. ReachOut.com Jacinta Hastings attended the The Good Perspective for the Professionals: National Office for Suicide Practice The Role of the Family in Promoting Prevention (NOSP) Guidelines on Recovery event organised by the Connecting for Life – Ireland’s Online Mental College of Psychiatrists of Ireland. National Strategy to Reduce Suicide Health Service 2015-2020, was launched during the Provision was Information Evening on Eating year. The CEO represented Bodywhys launched on Disorders, Clarion Hotel, Sligo and contributed to the consultation 8th June. Dr. Ed O’Mahoney, Mary Harron and process through the Advisory Group. Bodywhys Jacinta Hastings presented an was represented on information event on the eating Cycle Against Suicide the working group. disorder programme, to HSE staff Bodywhys had an information stand in Sligo/Leitrim as well as the at the Cycle Against Suicide Student Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): Bodywhys support services. Leaders Congress which was held in St. John of God pilot project the RDS in January. Over 4,000 Harriet Parsons, Fiona Flynn and TCD School of Nursing Postgraduate secondary school students attended. Marie Devine participated in a Diploma in Mental Health Nursing A full day programme included talks, 2-day pilot evaluation of the Mental Harriet Parsons has been contributing workshops and round table Health First Aid programme which to the development of two modules on discussions. will be developed by St. John of eating disorders; and the role of support God Hospital. groups; as part of the TCD School of Co-operation and Working Together Nursing Postgraduate Diploma in (CAWT) Project Mental Health Nursing. The course will The CAWT Eating Disorder project commence in January, 2016. concluded at the end of April, 2015.

20 Partnership Projects Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2015

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 2015 2015 2015 2014 Notes € € € €

INCOMING RESOURCES

Generated Funds: Voluntary Income ---13,160 Activities to generate funds Unrestricted Grants 262,870 - 262,870 256,546 Restricted Grants 22,000 22,488 44,488 27,015 Investment and Other Income 2 2,108 - 2,108 - Charitable Activities: Donations and Other Voluntary Income 3,337 - 3,337 - Total Incoming Resources 290,315 22,488 312,803 301,331

Resources Expended Costs of Generating Funds 39,630 - 39,630 43,321 Governance Costs 3,936 - 3,936 - 43,566 - 43,566 43,321 Net Incoming Resources available for charitable application 246,749 22,488 269,237 258,010

Charitable Activities: Restricted Grant Expenditure - 32,515 32,515 - Operational Costs 224,511 - 224,511 237,563 224,511 32,515 257,026 237,563 Total Resources Expended 3 268,077 32,515 300,592 280,884 Surplus/(deficit) for the year 22,238 (10,027) 12,211 20,447 Net movement in funds for the year 22,238 (10,027) 12,211 20,447 Reconciliation of funds Balances brought forward at 1 January 2015 266,822 32,120 298,942 278,495 Balances carried forward at 31 December 2015 289,060 22,093 311,153 298,942

There are no other recognised gains or losses and all activities relate to continuing operations. Approved by the trustees on 7 th June 2016 and signed on their behalf by:

Henry Blake Parvez Butt Trustee Trustee Annual Report 2015 21 Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2015

Notes 2015 2014

€ €

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash at bank and in hand 326,513 336,169 336,169 299,485

Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 7 (15,360) ( 37,227)

Net Current Assets 311,153 298,942

Total Assets less Current Liabilities 311,153 298,942

FUNDS

Restricted Trust Funds 22,093 32,120 Unrestricted Designated Funds 226,730 226,730 General Funds (unrestricted) 9 62,330 40,092

TOTAL FUNDS 311,153 298,942

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 7 th June 2016 and signed on its behalf by:

Henry Blake Parvez Butt Trustee Trustee

22 Balance Sheet Acknowledgements

The Chairman, Board of Directors and Bettie-Marie Burger-Smit Staff wish to record their sincere thanks to all those who volunteered or donated to Bodywhys in 2015. Department of Health Your interest in and support of our work is much appreciated. Double Dutch Design – Gabie Devaney

Eating Disorders Victoria

ESB Electric Aid

Genio Fund

Health Service Executive

Kielty Oberlin PhD

National Office for Suicide Prevention & Staff

National Lottery

Niamh McNamara PhD

St. John of God Brothers - Management Team & Order

Thank You Annual Report 2015 23 Company Information

Company Information as of Directors Registered office 31st December 2015 Breda Naddy 18 Upper Mount Street Parvez Butt Dublin 2 Henry Blake Marie Devine Auditors Kirsty Kirkwood Dillon Kelly Cregan & Co Jane O’Riordan 18 Upper Mount Street Dublin 2 Secretary Henry Blake Registered Charity No 11961

24 Company Information Notes

Annual Report 2015 25 P.O. Box 105, Blackrock, Co. Dublin

T +353 1 283 4963 E [email protected] LoCall Helpline: 1890 200 444 www.bodywhys.ie Support Email: [email protected]