Last Wednesday, 2nd March, to mark eating disorder awareness week, the Hearts Minds and Genes Coalition launched the #ChangeTheStory campaign in parliament hosting an event for MPs. The campaign video (created in partnership with Instagram) has already reached nearly 1 million views as well as had high profile support from the likes of Jamie Oliver, Dr Alex George, Simon Thomas, and Sean Fletcher amongst thousands of others showing their support for people affected by eating disorders.  

The campaign is working to remove the stigma and misunderstanding that surrounds eating disorders. Eating disorders are serious, biologically based mental illnesses deserving of equal clinical and research funding to that given to other complex diseases. The coalition want to ensure that no-one with an eating disorder need experience shame or guilt, and everybody should have timely access to specialist services.

Eating disorders are not new illnesses, but there has been a massive rise in cases during the pandemic. Unacceptable delays before treatment means we are also seeing a rise in avoidable chronic long-term illness and loss of life. We need to ensure that we are no longer hiding behind the global pandemic but ensuring that the right support is in place for everyone because no one should be dying of an eating disorder in 2022.

The campaign is a 12 month campaign with themes each month, and is it vital that we keep the momentum up following the official launch. This is why I am reaching out to you all today to ask you to take a photo with the #ChangeTheStory hashtag and to share it on your social media - Suggested tweet: " I am supporting the #ChangeTheStory campaign because eating disorders can impact anybody and everybody!" 

Thank you so much for your support!! Together we will end all the injustices that people affected by eating disorders are facing!