Over the last year we have seen a 46% increase in the number of people struggling and being referred to services for eating disorders.

Eating disorders don't just affect teenage girls, but they affect people of all ages, all genders, from all backgrounds, all races and people of all sizes. Over the last year we have seen huge strides forward in the way eating disorders are being talked about, but there is still a lot of stigma, a lack of understanding and a lack of funding invested into services.

As the Government, and wider society puts plans in place to prepare for recovery from covid19, please can help ensure that people with eating disorders are have a voice at the table. 

To find out more about the campaign and to contact Hope Virgo please click here

There are two things you can do: 

1. Share your support for people affected by eating disorders on social media ( Will you help make sure that people with eating disorders are prioritised within COVID19 Recovery Plans? Add your name to help #DumpTheScales https://www.change.org/p/eating-disorders-are-not-just-about-weight-dumpthescales )

2. Contact your local MP (See template below) And please do let me know how you get on with a response!

Thank you so much for your ongoing support!

To find out more about the campaign and to contact Hope Virgo please click here

Draft Letter to MP:

Dear XXX

Every 62 minutes someone dies from an eating disorder, and over the last year we have seen a 46% increase in the number of people struggling and being referred to services. Eating disorders don't just affect teenage girls, but they affect people of all ages, all genders and people of all sizes. Over the last year we have seen huge strides forward in the way eating disorders are being talked about, but there is still a lot of stigma, a lack of understanding and a lack of funding invested into services. 

People affected by eating disorders have been worst hit in the COVID-19 pandemic, with the pandemic creating the perfect storm for them. Through the isolation, uncertainty, stockpiling, and unhealthy messages around obesity, dieting… we have seen first-hand a huge impact. Throwing money at a system which is already broken will not solve this. Instead we need proper action.

INSERT: Your own story / experience?

This is why I am writing to you today, to ask you what you are doing to ensure that people with eating disorders are prioritised in the covid19 recovery plan?

#DumpTheScales is urging the Government to undertake a service review of all eating disorder treatment across the country to ensure that people have access to the right support, as well as ensuring that all frontline staff have the right training. In 2021, no one with an eating disorder should be dying

I look forward to hearing from you

Best wishes

xxx