Local Help-Center for People Who Struggle with Eating Disorders

Health & research

Jan 11

Who: ROS

What: Helping people who struggle with an eating disorder or who have a problematic relationship with the body and food.

Where: Vestland, Rogaland, Oslo and Trøndelag.

Project period: 2023

Web: ROS

ROS was established in 1983 and is a nationwide interest organization for everyone who is affected by issues around food, the body and self-esteem – for those who have or have had an eating disorder and for their relatives. ROS works from a user perspective, which we consider to be the very foundation of our services. We believe that experience-based knowledge is essential in prevention work, recovery and for educational purposes. First-hand experience combined with professional knowledge constitutes ROS’ unique competence.

What does ROS do?/Why is ROS important?

ROS offers support, advice, and guidance for those who struggle with an eating disorder or who have a problematic relationship with the body and food. Relatives/other close parties are also welcome to contact us. At our local centres in Vestland, Rogaland, Oslo and Trøndelag, it is also possible to have individual conversations. Our counselling service is free, and you do not need a referral. ROS also organizes a number of different theme nights, courses, groups, and other activities that can make a positive contribution to a difficult everyday life.

Aftermath of the covid pandemic

During and after the pandemic, we have seen an alarming increase in eating disorders, especially among children and youth. Inquiries to ROS from children and youth increased with 105 % in the period from 2019 to 2021. The inquiries we receive are more alarming than before and come from children as young as 8 years old.

The Goal

At our local centre in Vestland, there are currently more than 60 people on the waiting list. Our goal is to ensure that the residents of Vestland have access to a fully-fledged low-threshold service for everyone who struggles with an eating disorder and/or harmful body ideals – with no waiting list. The generous support from Grieg Foundation allows us to strengthen the capacity of our counselling service, both in terms of individual conversations and the chat service. We can also strengthen our capacity for lectures and teaching about eating disorders in schools in the region. There are very few low-threshold community mental health services available, especially for those who suffer from eating disorders. These efforts will therefore be of great importance for anyone in the region who is affected by this issue, be it personally or professionally.