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Published
24 February 2023

Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2023

This Eating Disorders Awareness Week theme is about eating disorders in men. We asked service users about what they would most want people to know about who they are.
EDAW 2023

The below blog posts aim to help raise awareness of the different ways that people experience disordered eating and help challenge some of the misconceptions and stereotypes we face.

They also include interviews and article pieces by ELFT staff, who explain how working with Experts by Experience has influenced the work of the Disordered Eating Service. 

A Focus on Lived Experience

Feet, small girl and older person

Eating Disorder, Identity & Me by Lottie Bolster

A personal lived experience story from a service user on working towards recovery.
Change Poster

Eating Disorders Don't Have a Look

Service users share how they relate to their own personal experiences of disordered eating.
Collage of Face Pieces

Identity and Disordered Eating

Service users share how they relate to their own personal experiences of disordered eating
Boxed In

The Eating Disorder Identity

Service users share how they relate to their own personal experiences of disordered eating.
Boxed in 2

Understanding Individual Needs

Service users share how they relate to their own personal experiences of disordered eating.
Blurred Trees

What does it feel like to have an Eating Disorder?

Service users share how they relate to their own personal experiences of disordered eating.
EDAW 2023

Q&A with Selina, Service User

An interview with Selina, who has received treatment from the Community Disordered Eating Service at ELFT.
Binge Eating Disorder

On the Road to Recovery: Binge Eating Disorder

This is a personal story from someone with lived experience of binge eating disorder through their childhood and adolescence.
Surviving an Eating Disorder

Every Story Matters: Surviving an Eating Disorder

This is a personal story from someone with lived experience of an eating disorder as a young person, based in Newham.
Apricot Book

Poems: 'Portrait of us with my diabulimia' and 'On the Bus'

Two poems written by Katie O'Pray (They/Them), service user, as part of their book, 'Apricot'.

TikTok Video: 'Come with me to a Mental Health Event' by Service User

A TikTok video created by a service user, Alessia, of a partnership event in Bedford about mental health transformation where Alessia presented about her Eating Disorder Journey as part of raising awareness.

Contributions from ELFT Staff on Disordered Eating

Colette West

Q&A with Colette West, Advanced Eating Disorders Dietician

An interview with Colette West which touches on aspects of disordered eating related work and working with experts by experience.
Dr Brian Sreenan Close-up

Q&A with Dr Brian Sreenan, Disordered Eating Lead at ELFT

An interview with Dr Brian Sreenan and the importance of working with service users and experts by experience.
Bea & Marie

Eating Disorders v Disordered Eating in 2023

A piece written by Marie Young and Bea Fenske, from the CAMHS Community Eating Disorder Service

External Resources & Events

NHS Muslim Network

NHS Muslim Network Presents: ED Awareness Event

Tuesday 28th February 2023, 5-6pm
#DumpTheScales

ED March in Trafalgar Square

Taking place in central London, to show solidarity and support for people affected by eating disorders.
Caraline Logo

Caraline Timetable

Follow Caraline on Instagram and Facebook as they will be sharing something new every day.

Help & Support for an Eating Disorder

Be Body Positive

In recognition of Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2023, uncover the path to a more positive relationship with food and your body with Be Body Positive.

Be Body Positive
BBP 2
If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in the collection of pieces and you’d like to talk to someone, please call the BEAT helpline on 0808 801 0677.

You can also find out more information about disordered eating and sources of support at the BEAT website: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

If you are struggling with disordered eating, please do not hesitate to reach out to your local GP or IAPT service who can help you with the first step on your recovery journey.

If you are an adult living in the boroughs of Newham, Tower Hamlets, or City & Hackney, you can ask your GP to refer you to ELFT’s Community Disordered Eating Service. You can also refer yourself via our website.

Related content

Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2022

This week, 28 February - 6 March 2022, is Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW)
EDAW is a national, annual campaign that aims to educate people on the realities of eating disorders.

Eating Disorders Awareness

This page aims to provide information and resources about disordered eating to increase awareness and reduce stigma. It will include all content produced for Eating Disorders Awareness Week campaigns.