Thanks for taking the time to visit beat's Christmas appeal.

The season's emphasis on food can make some days tough for people affected by eating disorders, making this a particularly stressful time for people with eating disorders, their families and friends.

Over the festive period we provide a range of additional support so people can get help when they need it and not have to struggle alone.

This is Natalie's view of Christmas:

"Christmas is such a scary time for a lot of people in our situation and obviously for a lot of people it is supposed to be a happy/enjoyable time in which being preoccupied with calorie counting and weight gain gain/exercise obsessions etc. can detract from this in a bad way.

I find knowing what support is available helps, if you've got friends and family that’s brilliant, if not the ED helpline can be good, or previously I’ve made use of the beat message board."

By donating to our Christmas Appeal you will help us to keep the beat helplines open and provide that vital lifeline to people suffering from eating disorders.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.