6 September 2005

Eating Disorders Association Support Group

The University of Dundee and the UK charity, Eating Disorders Association (EDA) are launching a new support group for people in Tayside and it's borders who are experiencing eating disorders.

The group is for anyone aged 18 years or over, living in Tayside and the surrounding area, who believe they have an eating disorder. Meetings will take place in the University of Dundee Chaplaincy, Cross Row on the first Wednesday of every month, commencing on 7th September 2005 at 7pm, finishing at 8.15pm.

Fiona Grant, of the University of Dundee’s Health Service said, "I am delighted that the EDA is supporting us in launching this new group as I believe that this will act as a valuable addition to existing services for those with eating disorders. Many people find it difficult to access specialist services and so may effectively have little or no support. We are hoping that people will come along to this group in order to support and learn from one another, expressing their difficulties in a safe, confidential setting where others understand their experiences."

There are currently 1.1 million people with eating disorders in the UK. For many of those, attendance at a support group is their only source of local support and understanding of their problems. Going along to such a group is often the first time they have spoken out about their problems and is often the first step to recovery.

The Eating Disorders Association, a national charity based in the UK, provides information, help and support for people affected by an eating disorder.

Further details or enquiries are available from Fiona Grant on 01382 344168 or via e-mail at f.y.grant@dundee.ac.uk. The Eating Disorders Association (www.edauk.com) offers a wealth of education plus other services provided via it’s self help network and can be contacted on 0870 770 3256.

By Angela Durcan, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, a.durcan@dundee.ac.uk