Bringing voices together again: local stakeholders unite to discuss disordered eating and eating disorders

More than 30 people joined EDHIT for its disordered eating and eating disorders discussion event on 25 November 2025 in Bristol.

Attendees included a range of healthcare professionals (mental health nurse, social prescriber, peer support worker, psychologist, health and wellbeing coach, occupational therapist, dietician) alongside researchers, academics, prison staff, VCSE members, carer support and people with lived experience.

The morning was filled with rich conversations, focused on two key themes identified during our earlier June event – ‘early intervention’ and ‘services for all (removing barriers)’.

HIT Academic Director Christine Ramsey-Wade opened the event with a small group activity. Two local researchers then presented their current research projects with an opportunity for Q&A, allowing for wider insights and connections to be made.

• Dr Jasmin Langdon, University of Bath – ‘Helpful and unhelpful therapist behaviours in psychological therapies for eating disorders’
• Sarah Najib-Greaves, UWE Bristol – ‘Lived experience of ADHD and having an eating disorder’

Drawing on the research as inspiration, Christine Ramsey-Wade facilitated a group discussion to generate solutions and project ideas focused on early intervention and inclusive services. Summarised notes were taken, with scope for creating project idea/proposals to carry forward, with joined up collaboration and support.

Feedback highlighted how much people valued the chance to connect, the shared energy and passion in the room, and the rich exchange of local knowledge, ideas, and research.

Participant feedback:

“Very good networking opportunities, knowledge gaining”

“I like the small table work groups – good for discussions”

“Very interesting for me. I have learnt a lot. I hope to attend more events”

“Thought provoking”

“Learnt so much! Good to hear outside silo”

“Really important – 100% great”

Carolyn Trippick, EDHIT Peer co-Director, said:

“Having researchers at events like these helps to break down stigma and remove barriers. So often, research can feel inaccessible, like a completely different academic world, with its own language and status. But having Jasmin and Sarah present in person shattered that stereotypical image by bringing accessibility, shared humanity and genuine passion and interest towards their research projects”.