The Time is Nawr: Beat calls for action on eating disorders in Wales

As political parties in Wales begin to prepare their manifestos for the 2026 Senedd election, we are calling for urgent and sustained action to address the problems people affected by eating disorders face across the country.

Today, we publish our priorities for the next Welsh Government: 'The Time is Nawr for Action on Eating Disorders'. The Time is Nawr sets out three key asks for political leaders to ensure that everyone affected by an eating disorder in Wales can access the right support, at the right time, and close to home.

Eating disorders in Wales: A serious challenge

More than 62,500 people in Wales are estimated to be affected by eating disorders, yet many struggle to access timely and effective treatment.

On average, individuals experience a 3.5-year delay between the onset of illness and receiving treatment – often due to difficulties in identification, long waiting times, and limited local services. This delay can cause significant harm to individuals and families, and places additional pressure on the NHS.

Despite a strong ambition for change from policymakers, access to care remains highly variable across Wales. This must change.

Our three key priorities for the next Welsh government

We are urging all political parties to commit to the following in their 2026 election manifestos:

1. Develop and implement a national eating disorder service specification focused on early intervention
   A consistent, nationwide framework would help ensure equitable and timely access to early intervention services, improving outcomes and reducing long-term costs.
2. Investment in intensive community-based and day treatment programmes for eating disorders
   Current inpatient admissions, especially among young people, have doubled since 2019. Expanding access to intensive community-based and day treatment programmes would allow more people to receive care close to home, minimising the need for costly inpatient admissions, reduce length of stay when hospital treatment is required, and support more sustainable recovery.
3. Greater investment in eating disorder research in Wales
   Eating disorders receive disproportionately low levels of research funding. Establishing a dedicated network for eating disorder researchers in Wales would help grow the field, encourage collaboration, and ensure we continue to improve understanding and treatment.

Jo Whitfield, Beat’s National Lead for Wales says:

“This is a critical opportunity. With leadership and investment, Wales can create a more effective, compassionate and sustainable system that supports people before they reach crisis point.

“By taking decisive action, the next Welsh Government can lead the way in building a world-class system of care for people affected by eating disorders.”

We are also proud to support and contribute to the wider recommendations of the Wales Alliance for Mental Health (WAMH), of which we are a member.

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