Eating disorders can affect anyone of any age, background, gender, and ethnicity, at any time in your life. We provide assessment and support for people experiencing difficulties with their eating behaviour and body image.
It is estimated that 1 in 50 people have an eating disorder in the UK, however, many people would not be able to recognise the signs and symptoms.
There is a common misconception that eating disorders only occur in people with a low weight or body mass index (BMI). Within our service, we see a wide variety of eating disorder presentations and weight ranges. We do not have any inclusion/exclusion criteria based on weight.
Our teams are made up of clinicians with specialist knowledge and skills to assess and support those who have an eating disorder.
Whilst eating disorders are serious mental health conditions, it is possible to make a full recovery, no matter what the duration.
The earlier someone can access support for their eating disorder, the better chance they have of making a full recovery.
In order to access our service, we require a referral from your GP. They will ask you questions about your eating behaviours and the thoughts and feelings you have around eating. They will then be able to work with you to decide what type of support would be most helpful for you, and if appropriate, they will be able to refer you onto our service for an assessment. Your GP will review your physical health and take your height and weight as a compulsory part of the referral. If this is not provided at referral, this may delay your access to the service.
Eating disorders can significantly affect your physical health. As a result, it is essential that your GP completes physical health monitoring. They will remain responsible for your physical health and medical monitoring whilst you access our service. This may include regular blood tests and blood pressure.
The service you will be referred to depends on the location of your GP surgery and not your home address.
The FREED pathway offers support to 16 to 25 year olds who have experienced an eating disorder for three years or less.
The FREED pathway offers evidence based therapies, prioritising early intervention and providing treatment which is tailored to the specific needs of young people
If a patient appears to be appropriate for the FREED pathway, we aim to contact them by phone within 48 hours to gather more information. Following this, they may be offered a FREED or eating disorder assessment appointment. For more information on initial assessments, see information on this web page. FREED patients will be treated as a priority.
For more information on the FREED pathway and FREED resources, visit their website:
Eating disorders can have an impact on families and relationships with those around the person with the eating disorder.
If your loved one or friend is currently receiving support from our service and would like information about our carers offer, please see the link below. (carers link)
If you are concerned about someone who you believe may have an eating disorder, visit BEAT Eating disorders website who can offer support and advice.
Before your appointment, you should receive some questionnaires which may ask you about your eating behaviours and your mood. These are known as Routine Outcome Measures. We request that you bring these with you to your appointment, or you may be asked to complete them in your initial assessment.