Contributing to research or documentaries

EDA is often asked to help contribute to programmes being made about eating disorders and there are many we believe are reputable and worthwhile. We consider carefully all requests of this nature and select only those we feel would be suitable and sensitively managed and allow the programme makers to advertise on our site. We tend not to publicise the many requests we receive for magazine articles, although if this is something you would particularly like to contribute towards, you can discuss this with us. We do not approach our members or any contacts directly and EDA continues to regard the respect of people’s confidentiality and sensitivity as paramount. Therefore if you are considering volunteering to help with research or with the making of a programme, please read the following considerations carefully before thinking of responding. You are more than welcome to discuss with us first, by contacting us at the office. Please note that EDA cannot be held responsible should you volunteer.

We ask the programme makers to give us as much information and safeguards as possible in their advert, but do carefully consider the following questions: -

1. Are you comfortable talking about your eating disorder in depth?
2. Do you feel sufficiently recovered to be revisiting some of the trigger factors you may be asked about? Consider how you might feel if the programme were shown again in a year’s time for instance.
3. Have you discussed wanting to volunteer with someone who’s opinion you trust? Consider asking them to help you discuss matters further and be a part of the discussions or process even.
4. Have you thought about any travel involved, whether it’s feasible and whether you would have expenses paid, or a fee provided?
5. Do you want to be identified with your name? Consider not only your own needs for privacy but also the feelings of those close to you i.e. family members or friends.
6. Do you have to be photographed or filmed? If you are not comfortable with this but would still like to go ahead, then ask what other means are available to safeguard your privacy.
7. Are you able to see a version before editing?
8. Would the programme makers accept any changes you might want to make?
9. Would the programme makers contact you again directly if another need for a contribution arose?
10. Would the programme makers give your contact details to future research assistants, writers or the makers of programmes?

You would be advised to have written guidelines and agreements which are signed by both parties.