Eating Disorders HIT hosts stakeholder engagement event

The Eating Disorder Health Integration Team held a stakeholder event in collaboration with the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) community Eating Disorders Steering Group on 27 February.

HIT co-director Dr Sanni Norweg gave an overview of the BNSSG Community Mental Health Framework and its contribution to the transformation of eating disorder services in the region.

Jade Southron talked about the role of the peer support workers and how this has developed into a paid role within Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust. Lived experience has been influential in ensuring that the service users were offered the right tailored support at the point of need.

Sue Thomas discussed the work that SWEDA has been doing in the area and how the service is now expanding in order to reach the under-represented population within the region by involving voluntary organisations in knowledge mobilisation and raising awareness of eating disorders.

The Eating Disorders HIT then outlined their work including the development and dissemination of the Eating Disorders support app and its evaluation, which is in progress. HIT co-director Christine Ramsey-Wade and Gemma Bridge are currently working on an NIHR funding proposal looking at racial inclusion in eating disorder services. Initial data on views and perceptions were collected using focus groups facilitated by community stakeholders Caafi health.

The event was very successful in encouraging conversation in the room and creating professional links between service providers, NHS staff and experts by experience from across the region.