Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) is a time when we can all learn more about eating disorders, and it’s an opportunity to provide information, support, visibility, and hope to everyone affected by them. This year, EDAW runs from Monday 24th February to Sunday 2nd March 2025.
What is an Eating Disorder?
Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that can affect anyone of any age or gender. They cause a severe disturbance in people’s relationship with food and eating and can have a profound physical, social and psychological impact. Eating disorders can affect every area of a person’s life and the lives of those around them. Sometimes, they take over everything and dominate a person’s thoughts to the extent that they can think about almost nothing except their weight, shape, food and eating.
People don’t have to be underweight to have an eating disorder, and the majority of people who have one aren’t.
Eating Disorder Support in Somerset
If you are concerned about your own or another person’s eating, Open Mental Health partner SWEDA offers help and support to people suffering from eating disorders in Somerset and their families.
SWEDA engages with people affected by eating disorders, including those supporting a person with an eating disorder, by offering hope and enabling access to support services that empower recovery.
How can SWEDA Help People Recover from Eating Disorders?
SWEDA can help people in Somerset and the South West recover from eating disorders through a range of support services, including counselling and support groups, a supportive telephone service, nutritional sessions and more.
SWEDA recognises that supporting someone with an eating disorder can be distressing, isolating and challenging for everyone involved. They extend their support services, including therapeutic counselling and support groups, to family members and other people in a caring or supportive role. In addition, they offer training and presentations so people can better understand these complex illnesses.
How we can Help
Eating disorders can feel overwhelming at times, but you are not alone. Twice a week, SWEDA and Open Mental Health offer a free, impartial, confidential helpline for those affected and their families. The helpline is open every Sunday from 11 am until 2 pm and every Tuesday from 8 pm until 11 pm on 0300 330 5464.
Alternatively, for the help and support you deserve, contact SWEDA via their website or call OMH partner Mindline Somerset anytime, day or night, on 01823 276 892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.
Your journey to recovery can begin today.