Eating Disorders Awareness Week, 2-8 March 2020

Mums and dads, families and friends – together, we can beat eating disorders

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Let's beat this

1.25 million people in the UK are living with an eating disorder right now. Yet behind every one is a network of friends and family supporting them. This adds up to 5 million people struggling to cope with eating disorders.

Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses and those caring for someone with an eating disorder are too often left without the support and information they need to help their loved one towards recovery.

So this Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Beat is recognising the role of carers in recovery, the impact eating disorders can have on them too, and the work that must be done to ensure they have the support they need to look out for both their loved one and themselves.

Support for all

To help raise awareness of the vital role that carers can play in their loved ones’ recovery, we’re also partnering with Great British Bake Off 2019 finalist, Steph Blackwell, and her mother Jane. Steph became unwell aged 17 with OSFED (other specified feeding or eating disorder), and now she and Jane wish to share their message of hope with anyone who may be affected.

Steph says, “I’m very lucky to have had amazing support from my mum throughout, but I know it hasn’t always been easy for her. It’s important to remember that eating disorders can affect everyone, not just the person who is unwell.”

Jane says, “Everyone who’s caring for someone with an eating disorder needs support for themselves, too. It can really help to speak to people in the same situation who understand what you’re going through.”

This Eating Disorders Awareness Week #LetsBeatThis for everyone affected by eating disorders.

Sign our pledge

We estimate there are 5 million mums, dads, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, families and friends struggling to cope with eating disorders right now. But there’s strength in our numbers. Just think of the impact we can have if we all come together this Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

There are so many ways you can get involved. You can sign and share the pledge above, share our resources and downloads, hold a fundraising event, or make a donation to help Beat continue to support everyone affected by eating disorders.

And of course, we’re here if you or a loved one have an eating disorder, with information and support services available to anyone affected.

Eating disorders affect us all. You can read stories from people caring for someone with an eating disorder below, or if you feel able to share your own experiences, you can share your story here.