Bodywhys Online Support

Description:

Bodywhys (the Eating Disorder Association of Ireland) offer a range of online support services, including scheduled chat sessions for adults and teenagers, a bulletin board and email service. ‘BodywhysConnect' are regular 1.5hr online chat sessions facilitated by trained volunteers, designed to offer support to individuals aged 19 years and above with eating disorders. The ‘YouthConnect' service offers similar facilitated online chat sessions for 13-18 year olds. You need to register to access these chat groups. Any visitors to the site can view the Bulletin Board, but you must register to post messages. The board covers a wide range of topics relating to eating disorders, including issues specifically relating to friends/family/carers. An email support service is also available to Ireland residents.

Service URL:

http://www.bodywhys.ie/supportServices/online-support-group/

Agency Responsible:

BODYWHYS (The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland): NGO. National voluntary organisation in Ireland

Details

Format:

Combination. Chatroom and bulletin board

Size Of Membership:

556 (on 9 Oct 2012)

Start Date:

2001

Moderation Status:

Moderated.

Moderation Type:

Other. Online Chat Sessions are facilitated by trainer volunteers and the Bulletin Board is moderated by trained staff/volunteers.

Associated Website Intervention:

http://www.bodywhys.ie/ Site contains information pages about eating disorders, treatment options and outside resources

Accreditation Status:

Not Accredited.

Funding Source:

Donations/Philanthropic.

Target Audience

Primary Category:

Eating Distress (Body image, Anorexia, Bulimia).

Primary Target Audiences:

Adolescent, Adult and Young Adult. There are separate Chat sessions for adults and adolescents

Secondary Target Audiences:

Consumer and Carer.

Language:

English.

Access

Registration Requirement:

Open to view, but registration to participate. Bulletin Board is open to view, but you need to register to post messages and to participate in the Chat Sessions

Fee:

Free.

Contact Details:

info@bodywhys.ie

Research evidence

Research Trials:

1

Outcome Summary:

One study examined characteristics of the users of the BodywhysConnect online chat sessions. The study demonstrated that the service was being used by individuals displaying eating disorder symptoms - the intended audience. However further studies need to examine the effectiveness of these chat sessions.

Research Paper Citations

Darcy, A.M. and Dooley, B. (2007) A Clinical Profile of Participants in an Online Support Group. European Eating Disorders Review, 15: 185-195.