Children & young people will be supported to uncover the path to a more positive relationship with food and their body with a new resource called Be Body Positive.
Disordered eating – a term used to describe eating difficulties that don’t require a clinical diagnosis – is becoming more common and can often be the first signs of someone developing an eating disorder.
The NHS is treating record numbers of young people for eating disorders, so the need to intervene before diagnosis has become a matter of urgency.
Body Positive is a new go-to destination for information and resources on disordered eating, body image and an introduction to feeding/eating disorders, you'll find…
✓ Evidence-based coping strategies
✓ Stories and experiences
✓ Quizzes and games
✓ And so much more!
The content is designed by a team of experts specifically for young people and tested by young people. It provides the support and guidance they need to overcome challenges around eating, body image and self-care.
With resources for parents/carers as well as youth workers, teachers and health professionals, there is something new to learn for everyone.
Why was Be Body Positive created?
ELFT has been working with partners, Barnardo’s, ELBA, NELFT and Infused Media, to create a website packed with engaging and accessible resources to support young people with disordered eating.
Working with Thames Life and Society Links, local young people have played an integral role in the project.
As ELFT clinician, Erica, says:
“A better eating disorders’ prognosis is linked to a shorter duration between onset of illness and start of treatment. Early intervention is therefore important to allow targeted support at a time when symptoms are more malleable and less entrenched, at times preventing the deterioration of the symptoms to developing into a full-blown eating disorder.”
How can Be Body Positive help?
Sarah Wilson, Director of Children and Specialist Services (ELFT) and Chair of the project board says:
“In a digital world where negative and harmful views of body image can be difficult to avoid, Be Body Positive aims to carve out a nourishing and safe space. We hope young people will come to the site and learn how to feel at ease in their bodies.”
One young person who has seen the resource said:
“I think it's very inclusive and engaging, it's great for kids and I imagine it would be a great thing for educating families and in PSHE classes.”
Another said:
“It's very simple and clear to understand and personalised which makes it engaging and fun, especially for kids.”
We’re looking for stories!
We want to hear from young people about their experiences of disordered eating and body image. For more information, please see our poster or get in touch with elft.peopleparticipation@nhs.net
Download the Get Involved for Eating Disorders Awareness week in February.
When can I try Be Body Positive?
Be Body Positive will launch at the end of February/beginning of March after a period of testing.
In the meantime, follow us on social media!
Instagram/TikTok: @bebodypositive_nhs
Twitter: @bebodypositive_nhs @BBP_NHS