Eating Difficulties and the Festive Period: Key Tools for Coping with Kindness

Eating Difficulties and the Festive Period: Key Tools for Coping with Kindness

Whilst the festive season can be laden with the expectation to "be merry and bright", it is often a challenging period for those with experience of eating difficulties and disorders. Not only can there be a tendency towards disorganised eating, social gatherings that revolve around food and drink, and disruption to routines - hot on the heels of Christmas comes New Year and its reinforcement of ideas around diet, exercise, and bodily self-improvement.

This webinar aims to provide a relaxed and welcoming space where we can explore some key ideas taken from psychological therapies which may help in negotiating the festive season. Whilst these tools might not be helpful for everyone, taking time to consider how best to respond to the individual challenges you might face can help you feel more prepared and contained heading towards the end of the year. It might also give you ideas of where to look for additional support to make the festive period as meaningful and healthy a time for you as possible.

This webinar is being hosted by me, James. I am an Expert by Experience in eating disorders, a lecturer and researcher, and a qualified psychological therapist. I have extensive experience of lecturing, running workshops and events, and facilitating groups, and want this event to be as thoughtful, inclusive and welcoming as possible. If there is anything I can do to make it easier for you to take part, please do let me know in advance.

There will also be a chance for questions and discussion, and resources provided to take away. Some personal experiences will be shared with as much sensitivity as possible, but do consider this when thinking about your own wellbeing in relation to attending and taking part. The webinar runs for an hour from 7-8pm, but there will be the option to stay on afterwards until 8.30pm (this part will not be recorded) should you want to discuss anything further.

This webinar takes place over Zoom, with the link being sent to your email address beforehand. A recording will also be taken from 7-8pm (do bear this in mind when thinking about whether to ask questions over video or via the chat) and will be sent to all who book after the event, whether or not you attend live. 

Spaces are charged at a small cost cover the costs of preparation and technology - £8 (standard), £5 (concessions) and £10 (supporters - to help others attend). Concessions are offered without question - if you are unable to afford the concessionary rate please do get in touch. On the other hand, if you are able to contribute more and support others to attend, that is most welcome to pay as you feel. Whilst I am in the process of setting up payment options on the website, payment is currently via PayPal at paypal.me/jamesldowns - do leave a note to say it is for the Festive Webinar.

If you have any questions, please do send them in advance either via the website or to jamesldowns@gmail.com, so they can be covered in the talk. Do share the event with anyone who you think might benefit from this session. It will be just great to see you there!