No Bodies Perfect Spring 2012 Newsletter

NO BODIES PERFECT SUPPORT, INFORMATION AND AWARENESS OF EATING DISORDERS IN SCOTLAND

Spring 2012 Newsletter

always remember your voice counts, freedom exists Copywrite 2012 by Alexandra O'Brien and No Bodies Perfect. All rights reserved

MEET AND GREET EATING DISORDERS INFORMATION EVENING Thursday 23rd February 2012 To coincide with No Bodies Perfect new name (formerly The Positive Steps Eating Disorder Support Group Glasgow, which I am sure you will agree is a bit of a mouthful!) and the development of our new sub-groups and projects, we hosted an eating disorders information evening in central Glasgow.

It was a very exciting evening for all 12 volunteers at No Bodies Perfect, including myself, as it was the first time we had done something like that.

Those of us who were speaking or giving presentations were a little nervous, but it didn’t show as all the Speakers – volunteers, Recovery Representatives and service users – spoke with such enthusiasm, strength and eloquence. Anyone wanting to know more about eating disorders generally or who wanted to access our services were welcome. We didn’t want it to be all about No Bodies Perfect, so we also gave presentations about the myths surrounding eating disorders, as well as the value of support groups, both of which were received with appreciation. Our Eating Disorders Myths presentation sought to dispel some of the myths surrounding eating disorders.

It was a very positive and inspiring evening, with a real buzz and a sense of enthusiasm in the air – a sense that people really wanted to know more about eating disorders.

Some of our Recovery Representatives prepared talks too. They spoke about their personal struggle with an eating disorder and their journey towards recovery. These talks were so hopeful and inspiring and, undoubtedly, sent out the message that RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE, which, of course, it is. They were living proof of recovery, and stood there, confidently, to tell their tale. Looking about the audience I could see the intense interest of everyone listening intently to these recovery stories. I witnessed great appreciation from the audience for the Recovery Representatives who stood up in front of an audience of strangers and told their story: their illness and how they travelled the difficult road to ‘getting better’. Hope and light and moving forward – so inspiring and motivating.

Two of our service users (who attend support group meetings) also stood up and told their stories, and shared with NBP and the audience, their thoughts, feelings, experiences and how the support group had helped them onto the road to recovery. How wonderfully brave and generous of them to do this for us. It was an overwhelming and emotional part of the evening.

It was a very moving experience to hear that NBP does actually make a significant difference to people’s lives.The evening was a great success and some people even emailed me a few days later saying how much they enjoyed it and how inspiring and helpful they had found they evening. The evening ended with tea and coffee and mixing with each other, some chatted away to other people, and others standing by our Information Table, which had lots of leaflets, booklets, posters, books and so on about eating disorders. There was also a small exhibition of artwork and posters which

was lovely to see. Some people even bought some of our charity badges, which we were truly grateful for. Many of those who attended took away some posters, cards, information sheets, booklets and so on, as well as making great use if our Information and Exhibition area.

A great night overall and one in which we hope to replicate again soon. I can’t thank everyone enough for their participation: those who came along to hear the presentations: the wonderful honesty and eloquence of the talks given by Recovery Representatives and support group members; to the Student Group Volunteers and our Group Facilitators, to my assistant David, and to everyone else who made the evening possible. If anyone would like to book this presentation in the future, please contact us at the following: i_would_like_to_enquire@yahoo.com Alexandra O’Brien Project Manager and Chair

Parents and Carers Together Support Group

PACT Support Group is specifically for carers PACT Support Group is specifically for carers and parents of children andyoung parents ofanchildren andTheyoung with and people with eating disorder. group ispeople Beat affiliated and has links to thedisorder.

CAMHS Service in Glasgow.

Meetings areaffiliated every second an eating The group is Beat Monday from the 21st of January and we will meet fortnightly, between and has links to isthe CAMHS Service in Glas7.00pm-8.30pm and there no fee.

Anyone may self-refer, provided they are over 18. Meetings are held at: Glasgow High School, 637 Crow Road, gow. Meetings are1PLevery second Monday from Anniesland, Glasgow, G13 the 21st of January and we will meet fortnightly Please contact the group facilitators Hazel or Laura for more information: between 7.00pm-8.30pm and there is no fee. parentsandcarerstogether@hotmail.co.uk

RECOVERY REPRESENTATIVES WANTED As some of you may already know, No Bodies Perfect started a new initiative in late 2011, called the Recovery Representatives Group. We already have six Recovery Representatives (RRs) and are looking to recruit some more people to become Recovery Representatives in Scotland. There may also be opportunities to join our Eating Disorders Awareness Group, Board of Trustees or help the project in other ways.

RRs are males and females, over 18, who have recovered from any form of eating disorder or eating and food problem. RRs are positive role models who are pro-recovery and who help raise awareness of eating disorders in Scotland. They also provide support, guidance and understanding to those currently struggling with an eating disorder and provide them with hope, inspiration and show that RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE. Interested? Please email us at i_would_like_to_enquire@yahoo.com for a Role Description and details of how to apply. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Alexandra O’Brien Project Manager and Chair

RE-CAPTURE PRESS RELEASEFor

EATING DISORDER AWARENESS WEEK 2012 in Scotland, a group of young people aged under 25 with experience of eating disorders got together to organise a project promoting hope and recovery. With support from Young Scot and funding from the Scottish Government, we were able to pull together something innovative and hopefully inspiring to those experiencing eating disorders and those close to them.

In December 2011, we asked young people from all over Scotland who had experience of eating disorders to take a photograph of what recovery meant to them and submit it along with a caption explaining why. The top twelve were turned into a mobile exhibition, eight were turned into postcards, and all were put on an online gallery. We had a successful official launch of the mobile exhibition on Tuesday 21st February 2012, during EATING DISORDER AWARENESS WEEK, inviting politicians, health professionals, teachers, youth workers, college and university staff, therapists, counsellors, and most importantly young people and the photographers themselves. The exhibition then went into the Scottish Parliament for a week, with other locations to follow.

We chose photography because we wanted to do something visual, meaningful and to involve as many young people as possible. We wanted it to emphasise that an eating disorder affects every area of a sufferer’s life, including relationships with family and friends, social life, education, work and hobbies. To help someone recover, a holistic approach is needed, looking at all of these elements and involving the sufferer in decisions about their own treatment and support.

The photographs submitted by young people showed this, that relation-

ships, art, nature and ambitions for the future were important to them and their recovery. They also showed how individual the process of recovery is, as they picked up on different things as being important to them.

We hope that decision makers and health professionals will see the images and take action.

We have had only positive comments about the project, with many saying that the combination of the photographs and words being very powerful, moving and inspiring. We are still accepting submissions to the ReCapture online gallery so please take part and encourage others to. You can also raise awareness of the issue by booking the mobile exhibition for events or for an exhibition space near you.

Writing about the photographs here does not do them justice, so please visit www.re-captureproject.com and have a look for yourself, even submit one if you like! For more information or to book the exhibition: re-capture@youngscot.org Laura, Jas, Lauren and the Re-Capture Team

EATING DISORDERS BOOK CLUB No Bodies Perfect are excited to announce that we have now developed our new Book Club, and the first meeting will be on Wednesday 16th May, 6-7.45pm, in Glasgow city centre (email us for more details) The purpose of the Book Club is to provide regular social gatherings with others who experience eating and food difficulties.

Sufferers, carers, family, friends, volunteers, those who have recovered, and anyone else with an interest may meet and join like-minded individuals for a chat over coffee and discuss a book we all, as a Club, have recently read.

We hope to meet monthly/every six weeks and would love you all to recommend books to read and discuss at future Book Clubs. For our first Book Club Meeting, we have chosen My Body, My Enemy: My Thirteen year Battle with Anorexia Nervosa by Claire Beeken.

This autobiographical book is very easy to read and split into lots of short chapters, meaning it’s a great book to read a bit at a time. The book focuses on Claire’s personal struggle with anorexia, bulimia, alcohol problems and self-harm and her successful recovery from all of these.

Anyone is welcome to join our Book Club – you don’t have to be someone who comes along to our weekly support group meetings. We will issue members with a Book Club Card, which you should bring along with you. Book Club meetings cost £1 to attend per session to help cover costs of running the Club/room hire.

If you would like to join, email us at i_would_like_to_enquire@ yahoo.com or come along to the first Book Club Meeting on Wednesday 16th May, or join up at other Book Club meetings in the future. We look forward to seeing some familiar faces and some new ones too. Hope to see you there!

Alexandra O’Brien Project Manager and Chair

WORDS ON DIABULIMIA Diabulimia, You curl up in a ball on the floor, surrounded by discarded food wrappers, empty boxes and packets, stomach so swollen and sore you cannot move, yet you cannot stop. The sugar is calling you, even though you know every bite takes you that one step closer to the end.

You wake in the night, caked in sweat, needing the loo, yet so thirsty you feel like you’ve spent the night in the desert.

You try and move but with each step your heart is pounding, you feel so sick, you need to stop before you collapse. You try and think rationally, but your brain just won’t obey. Yet in all these situations there is something, just within reach, which can help take this all away. Can make you healthy and pain free again. But you just cannot allow yourself to have it.

This is the life of a diabulimic. Fun, right? This is a relatively unknown condition, yet it affects the lives of people all over the world every day.

Simply put, it is the manipulation of insulin to control your weight. The higher your blood sugar levels, the less energy taken into your cells, and

the more sugar you excrete, the thinner you are. To most this sounds great, a way to eat what you want without putting on weight. What you don’t think of is the long term consequences, the possibilities of blindness, amputation, even death.

Insulin could help stop this. By taking it properly, your body can regulate itself, controlling your appetite, and meaning you are able to function, rather than feeling so ill you cannot get out of bed. So why don’t you take it? Many reasons, mostly psychological barriers, not being able to give up the eating disorder which has been a huge part of my life for so long. For others it’s a way of dealing with hardships that have happened in the past. Whatever the reason, recovery is not simply a case of picking up a needle and injecting. It is so complex, taking so much work not to fall back into old habits, especially when contending with fluctuating moods, ballooning with water weight and the possibility of low blood sugars, causing another binge.

Recovering from an eating disorder is hard. If possible diabulimia is worse.

But with the help of charities such as Diabetics with Eating Disorders, awareness is getting out there and help is becoming available. So many people lose their lives to this disorder, but hopefully with this help more people, like me, can be reached before it is too late. For information and support concerning diabulimia and ED-DMT1, have a look at the Diabetics with Eating Disorders Website: www.dwed.org.uk Morag White

EATING DISORDERS LENDING LIBRARY No Bodies Perfect have launched an eating disorders library and now offer a lending library service to our service users and those who attend support sessions. Books will be made available at support sessions and loaned out for four weeks.

A very small deposit of £2.00 will be required to borrow books and returned to the borrower once the book has been returned to us. We also have Library and Book club cards for Library Members and Book Club Members.

Books are about eating disorders, self-help, inspiration, depression, anxiety and many of the other things that accompany the experience of an eating disorder.

We will have biographies and autobiographies; self-help manuals; textbooks; informative books, and books on depression, anxiety, stress etc too. We welcome any book donations too.

We love the idea of a Lending Library. Not only does the scheme provide information, but it is helping sufferers to engage in activities they enjoy, and there’s the social aspect of borrowing the books, discussing them with others and even showcasing their writing and creativity through the possibility of writing a Book Review.

Please email us at i_would_like_to_enquire@yahoo.com if you would like more information or would like to donate some books. Thank you.

Alexandra O’Brien Project Manager and Chair

STUDENT GROUP AND AFFILIATION No Bodies Perfect now has a Student Group, which involves us recruiting volunteers from the University of Strathclyde to help increase awareness of eating disorders and eating and food problems amongst the student population.

As a result, No Bodies Perfect has now gained affiliation with the University of Strathclyde. We must say a big thanks to the University for all their support over the past two years and, in particular, to Sarah McKee. Thank you.

Alexandra O’Brien Project Manager and Chair

Men Get Eating Disorders Too charity has launched a petition for improved service provision for men with eating disorders.

The petition is calling on the government to eradicate the barriers that prevent men from seeking treatment and to address the specific needs of men both on policy and delivery levels. To view and sign the petition go to http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/ and search 'Men Get Eating Disorders Too.' Sam Thomas

Opening the book on male eating disorders....

The story of one man's battle with anorexia, 'Becoming John: Anorexia's Not Just For Girls' describes John Evans' four month stay in an eating disorders unit, examining the roots of his illness, the physical and mental torture of living with anorexia and the steps he has taken on the road to recovery. The book helps to highlight the existence of eating disorders in men and will aid the understanding of anyone touched by these vile illnesses, whatever their gender or situation. Available from Amazon. co.uk, WH Smith.co.uk and Waterstones. com

By John Evans

NO BODIES PERFECT CHARITY STATUS FOR NO BODIES PERFECT No Bodies Perfect is in the process of applying to register as a charity in Scotland. There are many reasons why we want to do this, but primarily, because we will be able to access grants and funding so we can expand our services to other parts of Scotland, start more support groups in other areas, provide training and, hopefully, develop a drop-in centre in the near future.

These are very exciting times for No Bodies Perfect and for providing support, information and awareness of eating disorders in Scotland.

Please support us in any way you can: donations; holding your own fundraising activities/events and donating proceeds to NBP; buying our badges (and wristbands soon); coming along to our fundraising events; donating raffle prizes; volunteering or becoming a Recovery Representative.

We greatly appreciate all the support we receive from those who volunteer, fundraise, donate and so on and we would love more people to get involved. You can get in touch at: i_would_like_to_enquire@yahoo.com Thank you for your support.

Alexandra O’Brien Project Manager and Chair

SCOTTISH EATING DISORDERS MEMORIAL SERVICE The first Scottish Eating Disorders Memorial Service for those whose lives have been lost to eating disorders took place on Saturday 21st April 2012, at St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh. This was the first event of its kind in Scotland and organised by SEDIG (Scottish Eating Disorders Interest Group), chaired by Dr. Jane Morris.

Personally, I am very grateful to SEDIG for organising this event.

People who lose the fight deserve to be remembered, not just by their family and friends, but by all of us affected by eating disorders in some way. Such a memorial service, whilst celebrating the lives of those lost to eating disorders, also serves to act as a stark reminder of the cruelty and devastation that eating disorders cause. Eating disorders are serious and potentially life-threatening mental health illnesses that impact upon all aspects of the sufferer’s life. The eating disorder is driven by a desire for control; as a way of coping; and is a result of very low self-esteem and self-worth – completely contrary to the myth that eating disorders are about appearances, vanity and achieving ultimate thinness. It’s not about that at all.

The service was filled with music, beautiful words and gestures, sadness and hope. St Giles is a very impressive cathedral and the space inside is endless. The music provided during the service was beautiful in itself, but more so as it floated up and around the cathedral, poignantly and hauntingly.

There was a variety of music offered and all of it beautiful and inspiring in its own way. The congregation was greeted by David Armstrong, a piper, playing wonderful music on the steps of the cathedral’s entrance. It was so welcoming and inviting and, undoubtedly,

expressed that anyone entering the cathedral was about to experience something very special.

Inside, everyone was again met by more music, provided by Michael Harris, Organist and Master of Music at St Giles. This set the scene for the service, which proved to be a very music-oriented experience, celebrating the lives of those lost to eating disorders, as well as providing hope and light to those still struggling with this illness.

The service wasn’t a religious ceremony as such but one that celebrated life and mourned loss. There were several hymns, sang splendidly by the Choir of Broughton St Mary’s. The congregation were invited to join in if they wished. There followed a Memorial Address from someone whose sister had been lost to an eating disorder last year. It was a very moving, emotional and determined speech celebrating her sister’s life, expressing her deep sense of loss and demonstrating her determination to ensure that other people do not lose the battle too. I was very moved by the speech, to the point of tears, as I thought about my own previous 14-year battle with anorexia and the life and time I lost because of it. I remembered those sufferers who I support, past and present, and how unfair it is that they had to go through such pain and despair. I thought about how much I hated eating disorders and the pain and torment they cause sufferers, families and friends.

This was followed by the lighting of candles. Each member of the congregation had a pure white candle each. A candle was lit from the altar and passed along each row until everyone’s candle had been lit. The result was a sea of flickering light. I found this to be a very powerful image. It was sad and devastating to think of all those lost to eating disorders, however, for me, the candles symbolised something else. As we lit each other’s candles and passed the light and warmth along the rows, to each individual, and to the congrega-

tion as a whole, I felt hope. We were passing on hope and light to each other. Despite the sadness and loss, we had all be brought together, not only to remember those lost to eating disorders, but to remember those currently trapped and dictated to by their eating disorder. It was sad to think of those lost, but there was, for me, a sense of hope. By coming together and raising awareness of eating disorders in this way, dispelling myths, being open about our experiences and campaigning for better support for, and understanding of, eating disorders, we can help save the lives of others. There is hope and light for everyone out there still struggling. You are not alone.

The memorial service was testament to this. This was the message I captured from the service. Please don’t give up hope. Light and freedom exists and you can attain it, as there are so many of us out there who understand. We ‘get it’. There are people out there to support and listen. We can provide hope. We can show recovery IS possible and that others need not be lost to such a selfish and cruel illness.

A solo soprano performance followed, and was sung by Emma Louise Nisbet, who has current experience of an eating disorder and who uses the services provided by No Bodies Perfect. I was completely mesmerised by Emma Louise’s performance of ‘In the Arms of the Angel’. It was breathtaking and, for a few minutes, there was utter stillness and silence as the congregation held their breath, inhaling the beauty and passion of Emma Louise’s voice. I cannot congratulate her enough for her courage and bravery. It can’t have been an easy thing to do, but she did it with such passion, eloquence and professionalism. It also demonstrated that while this person was still struggling with an eating disorder, underneath it all, she still had her voice – her own voice, and, for a few moments, she released that voice and let it free: a voice that undoubtedly challenged and drowned her eating disorder voice. Such courage, bravery and the expression of her real voice again provided hope. It conveyed that

no matter how lost you are; no matter how trapped and imprisoned you feel; no matter how controlled you are by the eating disorder, your voice IS still there. Your voice counts, freedom exists. In this case, Emma Louise’s singing voice counted in so many ways and, for me, conveyed a very powerful message. I cannot thank Emma Louise enough for this: she did something very special and it touched the hearts of everyone present that day.

A Dedication of the Book of Remembrance followed. Mo Chauraya (Nurse Specialist and SEDIG committee member) spoke about what this was and invited everyone to contribute to the book which would remember those whose lives had been lost to an eating disorder. The Book of Remembrance was kindly sponsored by the Archie Foundation and is, unquestionably, a very special book.

Dr Jane Morris (Chair of SEDIG and Consultant Psychiatrist in Eating Disorders) then addressed the congregation. In a very moving speech, Dr Morris talked about the reasons behind the memorial service and provided some background to eating disorders generally.

Some of the speech included dispelling some of the myths surrounding eating disorders, primarily that eating disorders are not about ‘vanity’ and not caused by ‘families’. She also spoke about those involved with the service and gave thanks to all of those who had kindly offered their free time and resources to make such a special event possible. A special thank you was given to the Very Reverend Gilleasbuig Macmillan, Minister of St Giles Cathedral, who provided a very memorable service in a very special and beautiful cathedral. Dr Morris also introduced the Scottish Eating Disorder Recovery Representatives: a new collaborative project between No Bodies Perfect (support, information and awareness of eating disorders in Scotland) and the Scottish Eating Disorders Interest Group (SEDIG). Again, this provided hope: an initiative that would allow those who have

successfully recovered from an eating disorder to use their experience to offer hope, support and inspiration to those other people in Scotland who are currently struggling with food and eating issues.

The service ended with some prayers by Reverend James Falconer, followed by a hymn and a blessing. The service concluded with an Organ Voluntary (Final (Symphony 1) Louis Vierne.

I was very impressed with the service overall. It was evident that so much time and effort had been invested to make it such a special event. It was a very emotional day but one that also provided hope and light to others. Many people chatted informally after the service and it was clear, from talking with others, that the service was something special to all of us. It was sad, emotional and thinking about those lost to eating disorders was painful and difficult. Yet, light and hope and looking to the future pervaded the service and the thoughts and feelings of everyone as they chatted to each other after the service.

The service also received a significant amount of publicity namely, from, for example, BBC News, BBC Radio, STV News and various Scottish newspapers. I hope that this event marks a turning point in Scotland: a point where eating disorders are taken more seriously; where support and services are improved; and where eating disorders receive the attention and time that they deserve. Hopefully, the service will allow many more of us to come together to challenge such a debilitating illness: an illness that traps so many people in Scotland.

It’s time to listen. It’s time to mute the dangerous voice of eating disorders.

Alexandra O’Brien Project Manager and Chair No Bodies Perfect

The VoiceŠ

Support and News Magazine for Eating Disorders No Bodies Perfect launched a new, innovative news and support magazine for eating disorders in late 2011. It has been read by people all over the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.

There are also submissions from people all over the world.

The Voice is free to access online and can be found at: http://issuu.com/alexandrao/docs/ thevoicemagazineedition1 Please feel free to spread the word and pass the magazine or link onto anyone you feel would be interested.

INSIDE THE MAGAZINE: Tips for Recovery; The Value of Support Groups; Body Image; What is Recovery?; Interview with an Eating Disorder Survivor; Recovery Blog; Male Eating Disorders; letters, poems, inspiration and lots more. For more information about The Voice, feel free to contact us at i_would_like_to_ enquire@yahoo.com Enjoy reading The Voice! June Alexander did, and I have included a review she wroe about it below. Thanks, Alexandra O’Brien Project Manager and Chair

Review of The Voice

by June Alexander

We often refer to an eating disorder being like ‘a voice’ in our mind.

Sometimes the eating disorder may seem to manifest in several voices.

The challenge for the person with the eating disorder and for their families, partners and friends, is to identify their real voice from the rest.

Learning how to recognise and build on the true self is a valuable tool in the recovery process.

The good news is that there is a new ‘kid on the block’ for people on the journey to regain the right to explore their life potential. A new ‘voice’, hailing from Glasgow, is embracing the world via the ‘Net. The Voice, a News and Support Magazine for Eating Disorders, is a support and education magazine journal with a pro-recovery focus, providing a challenge to the eating disorder ‘voice’ and encouraging recovery on all levels. Alexandra O’Brien, of No Bodies Perfect (formerly The Positive Steps Eating Disorder Support Group), based in Glasgow, is the editor and designer. Take a look. As Alexandra says, it is somehow re-assuring to share our journey with others who have been there too. Those of us who have regained our lives, who have left our illness behind, are here to offer hope and help others find their way. I wish this magazine had been around when I was in my twenties and thirties. At that time I felt I was lost in a dark forest. I had no beacon to show me a path out and took many wrong turns. Take a look. The Voice is a beacon. It will help you find your way, it will help you find your voice.

DOES N When life gets you down and the problems you face are certainly more than your share...

When you run out of strength and you want to give up because it's just too much to bear...

I want to remind you, my precious friend, that you have what it takes inside... extraordinary courage that may not ROAR but it doesn't cower and hide It's the quiet voice inside you that says, "Tomorrow I'll try again."

It's the courage to keep on going... to see things through to the end You are not defined by this moment in time.

You are not what has happened to you It's the way you choose to respond that matters and what you decide to do Courage is not the absence of fear, but a powerful choice we make... the choice to move forward with PURPOSE ...regardless of what it takes

By Paula Fox

NOT ALWAYS ROAR It's the courage that's found in ordinary women who are HEROES in their own way, exhibiting strength and fortitude in life's challenges every day...

Valiant woman of exceptional courage with enduring power to cope... taking each problem one day at a time and never giving up HOPE. We're encouraged by the faith of others to survive and overcome, with the courage to say, "I may be down... but the battle is not done!

For the WOMAN of COURAGE is a winner... regardless of what she loses She displays amazing beauty and strength with the attitude she chooses She gives herself the permission she needs... to feel disappointed or sad.

But then she empowers herself with faith... to focus on good things...not bad Her story is one of gentle strength reminding us all once more...

Steel is sometimes covered in velvet and...

COURAGE doesn't always roar.

‘HAVE YOUR SAY’ – EATING DISORDERS GROUP: FIRST MEETING WHEN: JULY/AUGUST 2012 WHERE: CENTRAL GLASGOW

WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Would you like the chance to have a say and have your voice heard regarding eating disorders in Scotland? You might be a sufferer, carer, friend, family member, volunteer, or have recovered from an eating disorder.

We are launching a new sub-group called ‘Have Your Say’ – an informal gathering, for approximately two hours, where you can say how you feel about eating disorders, treatment, services, awareness of eating disorders, the portrayal of eating disorders in the media and by health professionals, and lots more.

All information will remain anonymous. Notes will be taken during the meeting but personal or identifiable information will remain anonymous, as we are interested in your views and opinions and how we can collate this information into a report that we hope to present to various bodies, such as the Scottish

Government. We hope this will help highlight some of the problems surrounding eating disorder services, treatment, stereotypes and so on, so services can be improved, increase training in eating disorders, challenge stigma and stereotypes and allow you to have your voice heard and be listened to in a way that will really make a difference.

Outcome: a report on sufferers, ex-sufferers, carers, and friends thoughts, feelings, experiences and views. What works and what does not work? What do you think? What would you like to see happen? What should change?

We witness a lot of passion and strong views during support group meetings and it would be great to recreate this here – an opportunity for everyone to have a voice, say what they think and what they want: a sounding board and a place to express such thoughts, feelings, experiences, views and for No Bodies Perfect to then, on everyone’s behalf, write a report on this, ensuring comments and views are anonymous and not personalised.

Those attending will be asked to complete a short Confidentiality Form to say that they respect others confidentiality and they will not share any information discussed outwith the context of the group. The information shared during the meeting will only be for the purposes of the report.

We have not confirmed an exact date yet, but propose this meeting takes place in July or August 2012, so if you if you wish to attend, want information once we have confirmed a date and time, or require more information, email us at i_would_like_to_enquire@yahoo.com We need specific numbers, so please email us to reserve your place on a first come, first serve basis. Everyone is welcome and we look forward to meeting with you in July or August 2012.

Alexandra O’Brien Project Manager and Chair

FUNDRAISING QUIZ NIGHT FOR EATING DISORDERS No Bodies Perfect is a voluntary association and we truly need more funds to continue to deliver our support services to the eating disorder community. We‘re hosting a Fundraising Quiz Night on Thursday 24th May, 8-12pm, at the Barony Bar, Strathclyde Union, 90 John Street, Glasgow city centre, G1 1JH. EVERYONE IS WELCOME – not just students. You might wish to enter the quiz with a group of friends and give yourselves a name, or join up with others – you may even want to go it alone!

Entry is £3.00 per person. We will also be holding a Prize Raffle, selling No Bodies Perfect badges, selling cupcakes and doing other things during the evening to raise much needed funds for No Bodies Perfect.

Interested in going to the Quiz Night, or donating raffle prizes, baking some cupcakes or helping in any other way? Contact us at i_would_like_to_enquire@yahoo.com Tickets can be bought at the door, from NBP volunteers, at support group meetings, from friends, or on the night/at the door.

A fun evening with lots of chat, music, and meeting new people, not to mention QUIZ QUESTIONS to help raise funds for our very valuable project.

Thank you!

Alexandra O’Brien Project Manager and Chair

CAN YOU HELP WITH A SHORT QUESTIONNAIRE ABOUT EATING DISORDERS AND/OR FOOD AND EATING BEHAVIOURS

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I am looking for people to complete a short questionnaire about factors that contributed towards the development of their eating disorder.

My name is Michael Connolly and I am a Newsletter and Research Assistant with No Bodies Perfect (Eating Disorders Scotland). I am also a full time masters student at Strathclyde University. The focus of my research is in developing a greater understanding of eating disorders, upon which, I hope, more effective treatments may be developed in the future. I was hoping that some people might be able to help me out with my research.

I have provided a link below which will take you to a 20 minute questionnaire which aims to identify some of the factors contributing towards the development of eating disorders. A detailed description of what exactly the questionnaire involves can be found upon reaching the first page of the link provided below. https://strathbusiness.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bOA8r6cgAbbKcss If you would be happy to take part but have not experienced an eating disorder, I would be very grateful if you could instead follow the below link, to a very similar questionnaire: https://strathbusiness.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_82lXTHca7aUyZFy I would be most appreciative if you could take part. Thank you for your time.

Michael Connolly Newsletter and Research Assistant No Bodies Perfect

EATING DISORDERS SUPPORT GROUP SESSIONS WEEKLY IN GLASGOW CITY CENTRE Do you or someone you know suffer from an eating disorder or problems with food, eating, body image or obsessive exercise?

Do you at times feel utterly alone and isolated and wish that there was somewhere you could go and others you could turn to? People who, like you, have an eating disorder and know what you’re going through?

No Bodies Perfect is an organisation concerned with support, information and awareness of eating disorders in Scotland. We provide a number of services, including weekly support group meetings.

Our support groups are a place where you will never be judged, but always be supported, helped, encouraged and always listened to in a friendly, informal and supportive environment.

Our meetings are:

* Confidential and private * Organised by people with personal experience of an eating disorder

* For MEN and WOMEN of all ages (over 18), backgrounds, cultures, occupations, sexualities etc

* For anyone with ANY type of eating disorder or eating and

food difficulty – you do not need a diagnosis from a health profes sional or fit into a particular eating disorder ‘category’

* Organisers have completed training with BEAT, HarmLess, Volun teer centre Glasgow, amongst other things

* Express your feelings, feel genuinely understood, always listened to and non-judgemental

* Get support and talk with others who face similar issues * We can meet you just before your first meeting to say hello, answer any questions and give you information, if requested.

If you are interested in attending our eating disorder support group meetings, have any questions or require more information, please email us directly at i_would_like_to_enquire@yahoo.com We also have an EATING DISORDER SUPPORT WEBSITE (sign up required) which you can join and receive support from. It has lots of file and information about eating disorders on it, self-help sheets and exercises, help and advice section, helplines, projects and links, selfhelp techniques, positive thoughts and inspiration and lots more, including details of our weekly support meetings, online meetings, Coffee and Chat Club Meetings, Book Club Meetings and other events we are involved with.

You can access our free private eating disorder support website by signing up at the following: www.meetup.com/nbp-eating-disorders Don’t let your eating disorder hold you back and stop you from reaching out. You deserve support, healing, friendship, encouragement and laughter and our support sessions will hopefully provide all of that, and more.

Alexandra O’Brien Project Manager and Chair

New Eating Disorder Unit In Livingston This year, a new eating disorder unit has opened in Livingston, East Lothian. Only the second, NHS funded treatment centre in the country (after the Eden unit in Aberdeen), it will not only provide accommodation and care for individuals with its 12 ensuite bedrooms, but also contain therapeutic kitchen and dining spaces, group work areas and a quiet room.

The care is, of course, the most important aspect of the centre and, like similar care units, it will be able to provide patients with a number of services which develop their practical, emotional and interpersonal skills, as well as developing their psychiatric and weight stabilisation, all of which are crucial in recovery.

We spoke briefly to Dr Jane Morris, chair of Scottish Eating Disorders Interest Group (SEDIG) about the impact that the unit might have and if it reflects a change in the attitude towards treating eating disorders in the long-term. It would appear that the introduction of the unit in Livingston is invaluable as in relation to the unit currently set up in Aberdeen, Dr Morris commented: “Inpatient services have a contribution to make in terms of provision of a range of different intensities of service. It is particularly important to help people manage the transition from inpatient care - which can be life-saving and can kick-start recovery - back to community based care.�

Such a transition, continued Dr Morris, was less likely to succeed if “the inpatient unit is non-NHS, geographically distant from the person's home, and not closely linked with the local treatment team.� It is, therefore, clear that having a greater number of these units, as well as NHS involvement, is crucial to the long-term treatment of eating disorders The centre will primarily treat those in the south east of Scotland including Lothian, Fife, Forth Valley and Borders but, according to Dr Morris, this could be the first of many new NHS units across Scotland. Working part time at the Eden unit, Dr Morris has witnessed visits from other centres interested in opening inpatient units, including Lanarkshire and Glasgow, as well as visits from the Livingstone team before they opened.

It is encouraging to hear that the NHS is so keen to begin treating eating disorders, instead of transferring cases to private clinics such as The Priory (in Glasgow), as this will surely ensure more consistent and effective treatment overall. Furthermore, the potential of so many centres being set up in the style of the one in Livingston is comforting indeed. The opening of the centre, therefore, not only marks an improvement in the support for those with eating disorders in the South East, but also gives hope to those across the rest of the country with a condition.

Michael Connolly Newsletter and Research Assistant No Bodies Perfect

Book Review Life Beyond Your Eating Disorder

by Johanna S. Kandel Johanna S. Kandel is the founder and director of ‘The Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness’ and struggled with her eating disorder for ten years before seeking help. She is now fully recovered and understands how difficult the healing process can be. Her work with The Alliance covers leading support groups, working with professionals and giving talks worldwide. She has used this experience to develop specific tools and strategies to address the challenges of recovery. Her goal is to free others from identifying with eating disorders, suggesting that readers give a name to the healthy part of themselves, the part that tells you that you are good enough. Kandel says, “Walking the road to recovery becomes a lot easier when you have that positive voice walking with you, helping you to put one foot in front of the other”.

She discusses her past and how her aspirations to become a ballerina and her perfectionism fuelled her need for control, as well as discussing the stories of others. However,

she doesn’t focus too heavily on the details of her eating disorder, choosing to focus on recovery instead. This is beneficial to those in the early stages of recovery, as specific details of her eating disorder could lead to a pattern of comparison. Life Beyond Your Eating Disorder offers practical advice for individuals at any stage of recovery and Kandel reaffirms the idea of self worth. She recognises that no recovery is perfect and not everyone reading is ready to jump into a life without the security of an eating disorder. Her tone is encouraging and positive throughout, with the powerful message of just how wonderful life beyond the disorder can be: Reclaim Yourself Regain Your Health Recover For Good I think that this book would be useful for anyone with an eating disorder, or those struggling with body image or eating issues. It would also be useful for healthcare professionals who are looking for a greater understanding of the challenging process of recovery.

Sarah McFarline Newsletter and Research Assistant No Bodies Perfect

Valentine’s Cake ‘N’ Candy Fundraising Event February 2012

On the 13th of February 2012 No Bodies Perfect held a Valentine’s Day themed Cake ‘N’ Candy event at Strathclyde University. This was a special and exciting day for us as it was our first fundraising event with the new volunteer team. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know each other well, and raise money for the charity. We raised a fantastic £142, which will go towards running our services and future events.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported us by donating money and cakes, and to Strathclyde University for allowing us to hold the event in the Graham Hills Building.

Sarah McFarline Newsletter and Research Assistant No Bodies Perfect

Could You Be A Charity

?

Committee Member

No Bodies Perfect is in the process of registering as a charitable organisation in Scotland, providing a range of services to people who have experienced or are experiencing eating disorders or food and eating difficulties.

If you are a dynamic and motivated person with some time to spare and you have an interest in eating disorders and mental health, we would like to hear from you. We are presently seeking volunteers for our Committee Board. Meetings would be held in Glasgow, although anyone in Scotland is welcome to apply.

We are particularly interested in people who have personal knowledge or experience of eating disorders, (personally or as a carers/friend/family member/health professional) mental health services, skills in strategic planning, financial management, fundraising, tendering contracts, or funding. Application will include a written statement about yourself and why you want to get involved, followed by an informal face-to-face chat with us.

If you have skills other than those mentioned above and would consider volunteering with us as a Committee Member in any other capacity, please also register your interest with us. Join us now and tell us what you think, how you would like to help and be part of our rapidly expanding project in Scotland. Get in touch: i_would_like_to_enquire@yahoo.com We look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you!

The No Bodies Perfect Team

What Do You Think About The Proposed Changes in the Anorexia Nervosa Criteria?

Diagnosis can make life easier. Whether it simply provides some clarity in life, an explanation of complicated feelings and behaviours, or gives people a basis upon which they might start tackling some of the issues within their life. It is therefore interesting that, to a large extent, diagnosis is so heavily influenced by one source of information, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the DSM), especially since, in its 40 year history, the manual has been quite so changeable in its recommendations. The most recent edition, the DSM-V, released this summer, sees a significant change in the criteria recommended for the diagnosis of many conditions, in particular eating disorders. As most will have their own experiences of diagnosis, we thought it might be relevant to highlight the changes in the diagnostic criteria and hope that you will share your opinions on these changes. In the first of four articles, covering a range of eating disorders, we will cover anorexia and what the changes to it may mean.

Of particular note is the change which has been made to point A. There’s been a shift in the expectation of a weight below 85% required for diagnosis, to the less specific requirement of an individual being of a ‘significantly low weight’. This certainly makes the criteria much more inclusive and potentially allows for more flexibility on the part of those providing the diagnosis. However, whether or not this will be beneficial to the number of correct diagnosis’ is unclear at present. Although, some studies, using a less strict criteria of diagnosis (similar to that which the upcoming DSM is proposing) have found eating disorders to be far more prevalent than previously expected.

Given that individuals are often grateful for a diagnosis, we would be interested to hear what you think about the changes that have been made. Do you think a more inclusive diagnosis for anorexia is beneficial? We would like to hear a little about your own experiences of diagnosis and if the proposed changes would have changed these experiences. Contact us about this article at nobodiesperfectnewsletter@gmail.com Michael Connolly, Newsletter and Research Assistant No Bodies Perfect

PREVIOUS CRITERIA REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE DIAGNOSTIC DIAGNOSIS OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA (IN THE CRITERIA OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA (THE NEW PREVIOUS EDITION OF THE DSM) EDITION OF THE DSM, RELEASED SUMMER 2012)

A. Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and height (e.g., weight loss leading to maintenance of body weight less than 85% of that expected; or failure to make expected weight gain during period of growth, leading to body weight less than 85% of that expected).

B. Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight.

C. Disturbance in the way in which one’s body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of the current low body weight.

D. In postmenarcheal females, amenorrhea, i.e., the absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles. (A woman is considered to have amenorrhea if her periods occur only following hormone, e.g. estrogen administration.)

A. Restriction of energy intake relative to requirements leading to a significantly low body weight in the context of age, sex, developmental trajectory, and physical health. Significantly low weight is defined as a weight that is less than minimally normal, or, for children and adolescents, less than that minimally expected.

B. Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, or persistent behavior that interferes with weight gain, even though at a significantly low weight.

C. Disturbance in the way in which one’s body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation, or persistent lack of recognition of the seriousness of the current low body weight.

NO BODIES PERFECT CONTACT DETAILS No Bodies Perfect Support and Information Email i_would_like_to_enquire@yahoo.com Eating Disorders Support Website http://www.meetup.com/nbp-eating-disorders (sign-up required) No Bodies Perfect Website www.nbp-eating-disorders.co.uk Facebook Publicity Page No Bodies Perfect Twitter @nbpeatdisorders The Voice Magazine (link for free Edition 1) http://issuu.com/alexandrao/docs/thevoicemagazineedition1

Would you like to become involved with No Bodies Perfect and eating disorders in Scotland? We are looking for more great, motivated people of all ages to join us, either as a formal volunteer or casually, on a one-off basis, or just help with some things when you have time. You might have a specific idea that you want help with or want to take on a particular role. If so, let is know - it would be great to hear from you.

Similarly, you may want to help with raising money and fundraising activities for No Bodies Perfect. You might want to help organise events. You may wish to help design posters and leaflets. You might want to become a Recovery Representative or help with the Awareness Group and raise awareness of eating disorders in Scotland. You may wish to help with campaigning or talk to other charities, the government or MPs. Perhaps you have a story to tell and would like to be involved with giving talks and presentation, or do interviews or speak with the media. There is so much you can get involved with. We are also looking for people sit on our Committee Board, so you might be interested in that.

If you want to GET INVOLVED in some way, we really look forward to hearing from you. The more people involved, the more awareness of eating disorders we can create in Scotland and the more support, social and information services we can provide to those struggling with an eating disorder or food and eating difficulties in Scotland. You can contact us confidentially at: i_would_like_to_enquire@yahoo.com for information or to voice your interest and we can take it from there.

Let’s together provide support, information and awareness of eating disorders in Scotland!