We’re Beat Eating Disorders, we’re here to ensure no one faces an eating disorder alone. Right now, around 1 in 20 people in the UK have an eating disorder – and the emotional and physical toll also affects millions of loved ones. But there is hope.
With better understanding, faster diagnosis and proper treatment, recovery is possible. That’s why we’re here. We’re here when people need us most, empowering them to take the steps they need towards recovery. We support those around them, so they know what to do to help. And we work to stop others being affected in the future.
Together, we are changing lives.
"For me, Beat has been more than just a charitable organisation; it has been that friendly voice at the end of the phone on the days that I couldn't face eating, it has been the place of safety for my family and friends who were trying to figure out how they could help and support me, and, most importantly, it has always advocated recovery."
Our best estimate is that about 3.5 million children, young people and adults in the UK are living with an eating disorder.
They affect people of all ages, genders and backgrounds – eating disorders do not discriminate. Types of eating disorders include bulimia, binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED), and anorexia, which tragically has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, though all eating disorders can be deadly.
While this is the worst-case scenario, there are many ways in which eating disorders severely affect the quality of life of both those living with the illness and those who care about them. They steal childhoods, devastate relationships and pull families apart. But, with the right treatment and support, recovery is possible.
We’re here when people need us most. Through our national Helpline, we listen, offer advice and help people take their next steps towards recovery.
We equip family and friends with the knowledge, skills and support to help their loved ones recover, while looking after their own mental health.
We help healthcare professionals and others understand eating disorders and provide the right support. Through our professional training and our work with the NHS, we help build the knowledge and skills needed to improve care.
We campaign for greater understanding, better funding and access to high-quality treatment. So, when someone is ready to seek help, the right support is there.
We partner with the NHS to deliver services for people affected by eating disorders, their families and friends, and healthcare professionals. Find out more on our Commission us page.
On 8 October 2025 we launched our new strategy. This sets out our vision for the next five years that:
Eating disorders can be prevented; recovery is possible. We help those affected now and work to stop others in the future.
By 2030, we will answer the call - too many of those facing eating disorders feel they have nowhere to turn. When they ask for help, we are there.
We will spread the word - too many people living with an eating disorder tell us they feel alone. We will support those around them to know what to do to help.
And will change the story - too often those with eating disorders are failed by the system. We will influence those with the power to change this.
Read our strategy online.
We’re here to change the lives of those affected by eating disorders now and in the future. We are guided by these values:
Be open and try to make it easy for others to be open too. We’re all human: if things go wrong be honest, take responsibility and we'll work together to put things right.
Treat everyone with respect, empathy and compassion. Diversity makes us stronger, appreciate these differences so everyone feels welcome, included, and valued.
Keep an open mind and try new things. Ask questions, constructively challenge what isn’t working and help find solutions to problems.
Work collaboratively, build trust and learn from each other and from people with lived experience. Share and reflect what you know to make Beat stronger.
8 June 2021
Learn more about Beat and how you can work with Beat and help us support those affected by eating disorders.
Thanks to your amazing support, we've been here for everyone who's struggled over the last year.
20 July 2021
Beat has a board of Trustees who are the Directors of the Company. The Trustees reflect a range of skills, including governance,
Find out more about the policies that inform our work
25 April 2024
Beat is working to eliminate discrimination and create equality to help us support those affected by eating disorders.
1 June 2021
Join TeamBeat - view the latest job vacancies at Beat.
Your donations and fundraising efforts make this possible – we simply couldn’t do it without you.
28 July 2021
It is thanks to the generosity of all our supporters that Beat provides support to anyone affected by an eating disorder.
Beat are very grateful for our partners. Learn more about our existing partners and how you can partner with us.
Beat is a charity registered in England and Wales (801343) and Scotland (SC039309). Beat became our working name in February 2007.
Our legally registered charity name is: Beat (Formerly Eating Disorders Association). Beat is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under number 2368495, with registered offices at Unit 1, 19 Rosary Road, Norwich NR1 1SZ. VAT Number: 700 285963.