There has been a huge rise in the number of young people receiving treatment for eating disorders. Almost 10,000 children and young people in England started treatment between April and December 2021, a rise of almost two thirds since before the pandemic. And there’s been a 90% rise in hospital admissions over the last 5 years.
In this episode of Raising Teens, which aired on BBC Sussex on 19 January 2024, we explored how parents and carers can understand what’s happening to their teens and find the right support. We looked at what‘s behind this sharp rise and how services can keep up with the need for treatment. What should we be doing as a society to help our young people who may be struggling?
🎧 Listen to Raising Teens: Eating Disorders on BBC Sounds.
Our guests for episode 3 are:
- Tom Quinn, Director of External Affairs at BEAT Eating Disorder charity
- Dr Selma Stafford, Clinical director for NHS Sussex, GP, and BEAT Trustee
- Tanya Procter, Joint Commissioner Health and Wellbeing in Schools in West Sussex.
👉 Find out more about Raising Teens and listen to past episodes: Raising Teens.
👏 Raising Teens series 5 is supported by NHS Sussex.
Help and support:
BEAT, national eating disorder charity with information advice and helpline
Helpline 0808 801 0677
Under-18s Youthline 0808 801 0711
Sussex NHS advice including updated (October 2023) information for under 18s in Sussex and where to get help.
NHS advice and information about eating disorders
Health for Teens information on eating disorders tailored to your area
Young Minds: Information and advice about anorexia; body image; bulimia
The Mix support for under 25s: Body Image and Self Esteem
Mind: How to increase your self-esteem
The Hub of Hope, a national mental health database of organisations and charities across the country who offer local advice and support. Includes a Talk Now button connecting users directly to the Samaritans