This week is Eating Disorders Awareness Week, an annual week of campaigning devoted to talking about eating disorders in a way that encourages recovery and lets the people affected know that they are not alone and can be supported in recovery.
1 in 10 people will experience partial or full symptoms of an eating disorder, which can have serious impact on everyday day life making things such as work and social life harder.
Taking place from 23rd February-1s March, the week aims to raise awareness and a higher level of understanding in order to eliminate the stigma attached to this serious mental illness and raise funds for improved services to help support those with eating disorders.
Thanks to the legacy of Amy Winehouse, Beat – the UK’s leading eating disorder charity – is now able to offer more interactive help and support through its new website funded by a £45,000 donation from the Amy Winehouse Foundation.
Sufferers and their families will be able to access the site by mobile phone and use message boards, take part in online support groups and search for local support services. This will deliver the charity’s core services 24/7 in a more interactive way, which will appeal particularly to the younger generation that the Foundation wishes to support.
Amy battled with an eating disorder during her life and the Winehouse family felt strongly that this was an area they would like to support. Amy was passionate about helping young people, and fully understood the problems that many of them face.
Beat will be holding a launch event on Thursday, which we will update you on.
If you have been affected by an eating disorder, or know someone who has, please visit or contact:
Helpline – 0845 634 1414
Youthline – 0845 634 6750
Email – fyp@b-eat.co.uk
Text – 07786 20 18 20
http://www.nhs.uk/eating-disorders
Shakira Alleyne
