The event was attended by MLAs from all the main parties in Northern Ireland, including Health Minister Mike Nesbitt. They heard powerful speeches from our wonderful lived experience volunteers Conor Doherty and Anna Louise Dougan and spoke to our expert staff about the challenges people face when trying to access eating disorder services.
During the event, we spoke with 24 MLAs and got 20 sign-ups for the new All-Party Group on eating disorders, which will have its first meeting in November. The All-Party Group will work to raise the profile of eating disorders among legislators and politicians in Northern Ireland, with the aim of making sure everyone in the region has access to the care and treatment they need.
Beat’s National Lead for Northern Ireland, Nicola Armstrong, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Peter Martin for hosting us at Stormont, and delighted by such positive engagement from across the political spectrum. We’d also like to say a huge thank you to Conor Doherty and Anna Louise Dougan – their powerful stories really illustrated just how devastating eating disorders can be. We’re looking forward to working together with politicians and legislators to make sure everyone can access the vital treatment they need, as soon as they need it.”
Beat’s CEO, Vanessa Longley, said: “We’re thrilled by the positive engagement from MLAs, and we’re excited to work with them on a new All-Party Group on eating disorders. Eating disorders are serious but treatable, and we’re determined to make sure everyone in Northern Ireland has the best chance at recovery by ensuring they have access to these vital services.
Peter Martin, MLA, said: "It was a pleasure to host Beat at Stormont last week, and to hear directly from those who have lived experience of an eating disorder. Their courage in sharing their experiences remind us why it's so important we improve access to specialist eating disorder care, invest in early intervention and make eating disorders part of the political conversation in Northern Ireland. I'm looking forward to working together with Beat to make that vision a reality."
Mike Nesbitt, Minister of Health, said: “I was delighted to attend Beat’s event to raise awareness of eating disorders in Northern Ireland and to hear about the difference its work is making.
“I would like to thank Beat and commend it for the work that it does both in raising the profile of eating disorders, and in providing support to those affected and their loved ones.”