“Eating disorders will be beaten when more people affected by eating disorders can access the help and information they need”.  This is the message from B-eat, the UK organisation with a vision that eating disorders can be beaten.

Information from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (N.I.C.E) estimates that of those with eating disorders:

• 10% have anorexia                                                          
• 40% have bulimia
• 50% have an Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified(EDNOS) which includes binge eating disorder.

Typically, when discussing eating disorders, people tend to think of Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia. However, there is a growing awareness of other eating disorders such as binge eating and compulsive overeating. Whatever form the eating disorder takes it can have a significant impact on the individual, their family and their friends.
If you are affected by an eating disorder, or someone you care about has an eating disorder it can be hard to believe that the eating disorder can be beaten.  However, the road to recovery can be supported and assisted by the following:

• Having the information you need
• Knowing where you can get help
• Knowing about the treatments available and how they can be accessed
• Knowing what you can do to help someone you care for.

As part of Eating Disorders Awareness Week the Mental Health Service and the Manx Eating Disorders Support Group are holding a free event on Wednesday 22nd February 2012.
There will be a variety of information available to view and to take away, such as understanding eating disorders and tips for parents, families, siblings and friends. There will also be information for any professional working with a person who has an eating disorder.

The facilitators of the Manx Eating Support Group (which is part of the Beat UK wide self help group network) will discuss their service and the work of Beat.

Members of the Community Mental Health Team will provide a brief presentation on their role and their team’s role in supporting individuals with eating disorders and their families.
If you want to find out more about eating disorders and how to promote recovery please come along to this event.

The event will be at the: imuseum, Kingswood Grove, Douglas. Wednesday 22 February 6.30-7.30pm.
If you or someone you care about has an eating disorder and would like to find out more information the following may be useful contacts:
Manx Eating Disorders Support Group tel: 330922 e-mail manxeds@hotmail.co.uk
Beat  tel: 0845 634 7650 (help for young people), 0845 634 1414 ( help for adults) 
www.b-eat.co.uk

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