MP supports Eating Disorders Awareness Week

MP for Macclesfield, David Rutley, supported the launch of Beat’s Eating Disorder Awareness Week last week in Parliament.

The event was an opportunity for MPs to learn more about the charity’s vital work in raising awareness of eating disorders. It focussed on the importance of early intervention to make sure everyone who suffers from these serious mental illnesses gets the treatment they need as quickly as possible.

During Eating Disorder Awareness Week, Beat released the results of a survey, which collected data from nearly 1,700 respondents and found that three out of ten eating disorder sufferers do not receive a referral from their GP to a mental health service for treatment, despite medical guidance that stresses the need for immediate referral.  In addition, while half of those suffering from eating disorders have received good or very good care from their GP, half rated it poor or very poor.

The charity is calling for increased training of medical students specialising in general practice, so that all GPs can more fully diagnose the psychological and behavioural symptoms of eating disorders and so refer more speedily. Beat is also calling for more resources to be made available nationwide so that everyone can get the treatment they need once they have been referred to mental health services.

Beat Chief Executive Andrew Radford said: “I am delighted that David has backed our campaign. We hope this event has highlighted to MPs the importance of early intervention and the key part that plays in a person’s chances of recovery. MPs can play a pivotal role in shaping Government policy or raising the issues in Parliament, as well as speaking to people in their constituencies, who may face problems of eating disorders.”

David said: “I was pleased to support Beat in their Eating Awareness Disorder Week. We must raise awareness of eating disorders and ensure that more support is available for everyone who needs it. Beat carries out important work, especially by highlighting the importance of spotting the first signs of eating disorders to ensure people access the help they need early on.”