The COVID pandemic has provided perfect breeding conditions for eating disorders. 

In August 2021, new NHS England data revealed that four times more children and young people were waiting for routine eating disorder treatment at the end of June 2021 than the previous year. 

A further 207 children were still waiting for urgent treatment - the highest total in records going back to 2016.

For some who already had an eating disorder their illness has worsened, more people have developed an eating disorder for the first time, and others who thought they had recovered from their eating disorder have relapsed. Increased anxiety, isolation and lack of support are all cited as factors.

Eight years ago my niece Jess was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, a condition that almost killed her. Visiting her in hospital I told her that one day we would run the Great North Run together, but to be honest, seeing her in the state she was, I didn't believe that day would ever come.
Jess has recovered with the help and support of BEAT and is now at Cambridge University studying Law. She is also an Ambassador for BEAT helping others who are suffering from this terrible condition. Her account of battling "Rex" is well worth a read.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jessica-Earlam1

Jess has allowed me to keep my promise to her as she is part of this team running the Great North Run - one amazing girl!

Even closer to home, my daughter has been undergoing eating disorder treatment since January 2020. We were lucky in that her diagnosis was caught early and so we could act quickly. She is still in recovery (it's not a quick fix) but the signs are looking good. BEAT have provided empathic guidance to my daughter, and solid support to us as a family.
For example, we attended four 3 hour online sessions run by BEAT last November that focussed on 'Coping with Christmas' - that provided strategies for dealing with someone with an eating disorder during the festive period that has become very food focussed - something you completely overlook until you are in that situation.

Charities have all suffered during the COVID pandemic, but as the NHS Data shows, the pressure on BEAT to provide support for those waiting for treatment has quadrupled. 

As Tom Quinn, BEAT's Director of External Affairs says:
"Beat exists to end the pain and suffering of eating disorders. At the pandemic’s peak, we experienced a 300% increase in people reaching out to our support services in comparison to pre-pandemic levels. We are continuing to provide expert advice and support for young people, adults and carers across the UK."

BEAT are in need of funds, more so than ever at these times. 

Please 

• help us
• to help them
  
• to help others
  
• to BEAT this.