International Interview Series: Beat, Top Eating Disorder Organization in the United Kingdom

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Contributor: Tracy Riches, Beat’s Helpline Manager

1.  What inspired you to become involved in Beat?

I have always been passionate about mental health. Family members have experienced various forms of eating difficulties and therefore I wanted to make a difference. I’m enthusiastic about challenging stigma and supporting others to make sure they get the help and treatment they should receive.

Beat is the leading UK eating disorder charity and has a clear vision to ensure faster access to better treatments and compassion and understanding for eating disorder sufferers. We provide services for those who need us, raise public awareness of eating disorders and lobby decision makers.

2.  What keeps you in this work, day after day?

I work with an enthusiastic, creative and motivated team of Helpline Support Officers. We are delivering core services via our Helpline, online and email which enables us to reach out to sufferers, carers, siblings, employers, friends and anyone affected by eating difficulties.

The strong team ethos and feeling that I have made a difference keeps me in this work day after day.

3.  What type of support does Beat provide to the eating disorder sufferer?

Beat provides a confidential, anonymous service to empower service users to take steps in their recovery journey.

We provide online peer support services through our message boards and online groups for sufferers and carers. The online community creates a space where people can share how they are feeling with others that may be experiencing similar feelings in a safe place where they won’t be judged. The service allows people to give and receive encouragement, support and information.

Service users can contact us directly via our helpline and email service, our support officers are trained to listen in an empathetic, non-judgmental way offering support and exploring options of help.

4.  What tools would you like your participants to gain while working with Beat?

We encourage positive outcomes where service users gain improved access to information and support resources, they feel empowered and encouraged to take action. We also aim to reduce isolation and develop self-esteem.

5.  What encouragement do you have for an eating disorder sufferer?

Although eating disorders are serious they are treatable and full recovery is possible. The sooner an individual gets the treatment they need, the more likely they are to make a full recovery. We know at Beat from our daily contact with people affected, they can and do make a full recovery.

Eating disorders are not a choice. They are complex, and there is no one single cause why someone develops an eating disorder. Latest research is showing eating disorders are more biologically based than was previously thought therefore it is important to for the individual to understand they are not to blame for their illness.

For more information on Beat and other great non-profit eating disorder organizations, check out our page on resources available throughout the United Kingdom.

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on September 6, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com