Impact Review 2025/26: Eating Disorders HIT

The Eating Disorders Health Integration Team (ED HIT) is made up of people who have experienced eating difficulties or disorders, along with their families, friends, healthcare professionals, researchers, students, voluntary sector workers, and others. Their goal is to improve the lives of people affected by or at risk of eating disorders in Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. Here are highlights from the HIT in 2025/26.

3rd July 2026

Research conference

Over 120 delegates attended the annual international ED HIT conference in October 2025, bringing together academics, healthcare professionals, students, VCSE representatives and individuals with lived experience. The event focused on equality, diversity and inclusion in eating disorders, with particular emphasis on gender identity and South Asian communities, raising awareness of the needs of under-represented groups.

‘Bring Voices Together’ events

Two stakeholder events engaged 80+ participants across sectors, including healthcare, academia, prisons, VCSE and lived experience communities. Discussions centred on early intervention and improving equitable access to services. Feedback highlighted how people valued the chance to connect, the shared energy in the room, and the rich exchange of local knowledge, ideas, and research.

Public involvement and engagement

EDHIT hosted a well‑attended session at Arnolfini, Bristol, in February 2026 for people with lived experience of eating disorders, and their carers. The evening featured a mindful mandala workshop led by a community artist and facilitator, which offered a gentle, creative space for people to connect, slow down and find a sense of calm through art‑making.

Eating disorder prevention – the Body Project

The HIT is progressing plans to implement the Body Project, an evidence-based, NHS England–recommended prevention programme, through ‘Train the Trainer’ workshops and a university clinic model.

In 2025–26, UWE Bristol research assistants supported evaluation work on delivery barriers and sustainable funding. Findings will inform future rollout, with dissemination of progress shared at the Bristol Health Partners Prevention in Partnership workshop in July 2026

Eating Disorder Support app

The popular Eating Disorder Support app developed by EDHIT is now listed in Mind’s app resource library and has been downloaded more than 23,000 times.