James Morris MP SUPPORTS BEAT’S EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS WEEK
James Morris MP for Halesowen and Rowley Regis supported the launch of Beat’s Eating Awareness Disorder Week earlier this week in Parliament. The event was an opportunity for MPs to learn more about the charity’s vital work in raising awareness of eating disorders. It focussed on the importance of early intervention to make sure everyone who suffers from these serious mental illnesses gets the treatment they need as quickly as possible.
James Morris MP said: “I am delighted to support Beat in their Eating Awareness Disorder Week. It is vital that we raise awareness of eating disorders and ensure that adequate treatment is available for everyone who needs it. Beat carries out crucial work, especially by continually highlighting the importance of spotting the first signs of eating disorders to ensure people access the help they need very early on.”
Beat Chief Executive Andrew Radford said: “I am delighted that James Morris MP has backed our campaign. We hope this event has highlighted to MPs the importance of early intervention and the key part that plays in a person’s chances of recovery. MPs can play a pivotal role in shaping Government policy or raising the issues in Parliament, as well as speaking to people in their constituencies, who may face problems of eating disorders.”
Beat’s survey of nearly 1,700 respondents, unveiled this week, revealed some key findings. One of these was that three out of ten eating disorder sufferers do not receive a referral from their GP to a mental health service for treatment, despite medical guidance that stresses the need for immediate referral. In addition, while half of those suffering from eating disorders have received good or very good care from their GP, half rated it poor or very poor.
The charity is calling for increased training of medical students specialising in general practice, so that all GPs can properly diagnose the psychological and behavioural symptoms of eating disorders and so refer immediately. Beat is also calling for more funds to be made available nationwide so that everyone can get the treatment they need once they have been referred to mental health services.