Events to be held during Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Specialists from Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) are holding a series of events to raise awareness of eating disorders and the treatment available.

Staff from the Trust’s eating disorder team will host stalls in shopping centres and a social event with guest speakers during Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

The national event, which runs between 3 and 8 March, aims to raise awareness of eating disorders, the support and treatment available and challenge existing myths and stereotypes.

The EPUT team will be on hand to talk to members of the public concerned about their eating behaviour or that of their loved ones at:

• High Chelmer Shopping Centre, Chelmsford on 2 March between 9am and 5pm

• The Harvey Centre, Harlow on 3 March between 9am and 5pm

Members of the public are also invited to ‘Finding the Comedy in Recovery’ – a social evening at Essex County Cricket Club in New Writtle Street, Chelmsford at 6.30pm on 4 March.

A number of guest speakers will share their personal experiences of eating disorders and comedian Dave Chawner will perform. Dave has overcome anorexia and uses comedy as a platform to raise awareness.

The EPUT eating disorder team will also be talking to students at the University of Essex in Colchester throughout the week.

Ian Lea, Service Lead for Eating Disorders at EPUT, said: “Around 1.25 million people in the UK are thought to have an eating disorder so Eating Disorders Awareness Week has a vital role to play in raising awareness.

“My team will be out and about and I would encourage anyone who has concerns about their own eating behaviour or that of a loved one to drop by and speak to us.

“Please also join us for our evening event. As well as a comedy performance, a number of guest speakers will share their personal experiences of living with an eating disorder or caring for a loved one doing so.

“There will also be an information sharing session and advice on how to access support.”

Tickets to the evening event at Chelmsford County Cricket Club are free but need to be booked in advance by visiting www.eventbrite.co.uk and searching ‘Finding the Comedy in Recovery’.