1-7th March 2020 marks Eating Disorder Awareness Week.

Beat is the UK’s eating disorder charity who’s mission is to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders. Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that ruin and, too often, take lives.

They offer helplines which people can ring if they or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder, they offer advice, skills and a listening ear to anyone who rings. They also have a directory in which you can access to find more local services which may be of help.

Go to their website for more in depth information on how they can help.

If your or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder please contact your GP and book an appointment to discuss, as the sooner you can access treatment, the better. You can also ask for a double appointment so you have more time to allow yourself to talk.

You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from Beat by calling:

Adult helpline on 0808 801 0677

Youth helpline on 0808 801 0711

Student helpline on 0808 801 0811

The Helplines are open 365 days a year, 9am-8pm during the week and 4pm-8pm on weekends and bank holidays. If you can’t get through immediately Beat advise you contact them via their one-to-one web chat service instead.