Researchers from University College London (UCL) are running focus groups to speak to people who have experience with engaging with (or attempting to engage with) NHS eating disorder services in England for support. The researchers wish to talk to people with lived experience of:
1) autism and eating disorders/disordered eating
2) having parental/caring responsibility for an autistic person with an eating disorder/disordered eating.
This is part of a project with the national autism team at NHS England, to help improve mental health services (specifically NHS eating disorder services in England) for autistic people. NHS England are co-ordinating attendance on behalf of UCL, who will run the sessions.
Two online meetings, each for a maximum of five participants, will be held on Thursday 20th February. Each session will be up to two hours long. You must be over the age of 18 to participate.
- The session for parents/carers will be held at 11am on Thursday 20th February.
- The session for autistic adults will be held at 2pm on Thursday 20th February.
If you would like to be considered for one of these sessions, please send an email to england.autismteam@nhs.net by 6pm on Sunday 9th February, briefly describing your experiences. This should include whether you/your loved one has been formally diagnosed as autistic, the nature of your/their eating difficulties (including whether a diagnosis has been given) and which services you’ve accessed (or tried to access) for support.
We will confirm whether you have been selected by UCL to attend the session by 13th February. At this point we will ask you to inform us of any reasonable adjustments you need to fully participate in the session.
If you are selected to attend the focus group, as a thank you for your time, UCL will offer to provide you with a £40 Amazon voucher (or a voucher for another online retailer)