NI Assembly Debate on Eating Disorders

During Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026, the Northern Ireland Assembly held a debate at Stormont on eating disorders.

A central focus of the debate was the importance of early intervention. MLAs emphasised that timely access to specialist support is key to improving recovery outcomes and reducing the need for more intensive treatment later. There was strong support for community-based care, including intensive community and day treatment services, to ensure people can access help closer to home and earlier in their illness.

Members also highlighted the vital role of families and carers. Supporting someone with an eating disorder can be challenging and isolating, and MLAs stressed the need to ensure families are better supported as part of the recovery process.

The debate recognised some positive developments. These included the establishment of the regional eating disorder Managed Care Network and the All-Party Group on Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating. The Managed Care Network aims to improve consistency in care pathways, strengthen workforce capability and make better use of data across Northern Ireland. Its strategic framework and implementation plan were welcomed as a step towards delivering more coordinated and effective services.

However, significant challenges remain. MLAs raised concerns that specialist services in Northern Ireland are currently commissioned to treat only anorexia, bulimia and atypical presentations. Binge eating disorder is not treated within specialist services, and there is no routine data collected on its prevalence. More broadly, gaps in data were highlighted as a barrier to understanding the true scale of need and designing services that meet it effectively.

The debate also addressed the wider context in which eating disorders develop. MLAs spoke about the continued stigma surrounding eating disorders, which can prevent people from seeking help. Concerns were raised about the lack of awareness and education in schools, as well as the impact of harmful content on social media for those at risk or already unwell.

Funding pressures were a consistent theme. The Mental Health Strategy was originally costed at £1.2 billion over ten years, yet only £12.3 million was allocated across 2024 and 2025, representing a small proportion of what is needed. MLAs made clear that without sustained investment, progress will remain limited.

Responding on behalf of the Department of Health, the Minister said that strengthening eating disorder services remains a priority and requires continued focus, innovation and investment.

He outlined actions, including:

• The continued development of the regional eating disorder Managed Care Network to improve coordination, workforce capability and data use across services.
• Recognition that current data only captures those who receive a diagnosis, meaning the true prevalence of eating disorders is likely to be higher.
• Partial funding of the business case to enhance the regional eating disorder service, including the appointment of key leadership roles and the establishment of the Network.
• Confirmation that approximately £2.4 million in additional funding is required to fully implement the business case.
• A commitment to consider this funding as part of wider budget decisions, despite ongoing financial pressures across the health system.

We were encouraged to hear recognition of the importance of awareness, advocacy and lived experience during the debate. One contribution highlighted that eating disorders are profoundly isolating illnesses and acknowledged Beat’s role in providing support, raising awareness and informing policy and service development.

This debate represents an important step in maintaining political focus on eating disorders in Northern Ireland. It showed clear cross-party agreement on the need for earlier intervention, improved community services and better data.

We will continue to work with decision-makers to ensure this momentum leads to meaningful improvements, so that everyone affected by an eating disorder can access the support they need.