We are here to support people who have or are worried they have an eating disorder, as well as others affected, such as friends and family members.
See below to find out more about how we can help you.
Talk one-to-one with us using our secure instant messaging service.
Get in touch with us via email
Inclusive, safe online space where people with similar experiences can talk.
If you call our Helpline you will speak to a trained support worker experienced in listening and talking to people in a similar situation to you. We know it can be difficult to reach out for help and talk about what you are feeling and going through, but we aim to provide a supportive, non-judgemental space.
If you're thinking about taking practical steps towards getting treatment for your eating disorder, you can find guidance on what to expect and resources to help you here.
We provide helplines for people of all ages, offering support and information about eating disorders no matter where you are in your journey. Note that we do not operate a crisis service and we are not medically trained. If you do require emergency support, please contact one of the services below.
Crisis support
There are a range of organisations you can contact for when you are in a mental health crisis:
Papyrus offer a dedicated telephone service with non-judgmental support, practical advice, and information, available to anyone up to the age of 35 who is concerned about their emotional wellbeing, as well as anyone worried about a young person (aged 35 and under).
Their website can be found here: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ or you can contact the Hopeline directly on 0800 068 4141
Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Their website can be found here: https://giveusashout.org/ or you can contact them directly by texting the word ‘Shout’ to 85258
Samaritans are a listening service dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide. They are open 24 hours a day.
Their website can be found here: https://www.samaritans.org/scotland/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ or you can contact them directly on 113 126
A helpline and chat service supporting those with thoughts of suicide. They are open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year.
Their website can be found here: https://www.thecalmzone.net/ or you can contact them directly on 0800 58 58 58
Medical support
111 is for anyone who may need medical help and advice but who are not in a life-threatening situation.
999 is for life-threatening emergencies. If you cannot call 999, you should attend your local A&E department.
If you are unsure which to contact, this website can help.
Your GP can support you with a range of physical and mental health challenges. We have a resource which explains all you need to know about visiting your doctor. If you are unsure of which GP surgery you are registered with, the NHS has a tool that allows you to insert your postcode and all of the GP surgeries in your area will show, one of which you may wish to contact.
For England the tool can be found via: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp.
For Scotland the tool can be found via: https://www.nhsinform.scot/scotlands-service-directory/gp-practices.
For Wales the tool can be found via: https://app.nhs.wales/gpsearch.
For Northern Ireland the tool can be found via: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/gp-practices.
Got questions about what to expect when calling the Beat Helpline for eating disorder support? We're here to help.