Blackbird Initiative, a part of the Órama Institute for Mental Health, Wellbeing and Neuroscience at Flinders University, has launched a website for promoting its research and evidence-based interventions that focus on recovery for eating disorders and poor body image issues.

The new site provides access to online resources and updates on eating disorders research, in addition to introducing the 17 Flinders University researchers attached to the initiative, led by Professor Tracey Wade.

Current research featured on the site provides information about the relationship between social media and eating disorders, an investigation of new methods to improve body image among young women, and how to improve mental health by decreasing unhelpful forms of perfectionism.

It also provides easy access for people to participate in ongoing trials – including the coming Media Smart trial, comprising an investigation of two versions of a program that reduces eating disorder risk and a range of related symptoms. Registrations are now open for interested 13-to-25-year-old participants in the study.

Professor Wade says these resources will best inform the general population to combat the way misinformation is spread online.

“The focus of Blackbird is to make it possible for every Australian at risk of poor body image or an eating disorder to have access to an effective continuum of evidence-based interventions that can lead to recovery,” she says.

The name for Blackbird Initiative is inspired by the line of the song of the same name by Paul McCartney: take these broken wings and learn to fly, and Emily Dickinson’s description of hope as the thing with feathers – That perches in the soul.