21-26 February is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and Nottinghamshire Healthcare will be marking it with a special awareness raising event.
The informal drop-in style open day will be held on Friday 18 February from 10am to 3.00pm at the Mandala Centre on Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham.
The event will feature presentations from the eating disorder service team, and provide an opportunity for people to learn more about eating disorders and treatments, the work of the team and the care provided. All service users and carers are welcome to drop in, meet the team and pick up information and advice.
Angie Jackson, Nottinghamshire Eating Disorder Service Team Leader said: “The prevalence of eating disorders continues to be high and awareness of the conditions has increased. It is really important that people know that help is available and where to find it. Everyone is welcome to drop in to our event for advice and support, to find out more information or just to chat with others and share experiences.”
FREED Beeches, a voluntary organisation that provides a primary care eating disorder service for those who are considered to have a mild or moderate eating disorder, works closely with the Trust and will also be in attendance on the day.
The Trust is also involved in a special half day workshop running in partnership with the East Midlands Hub of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) on Tuesday 22 February.
‘Recent Developments in Eating Disorders’ is aimed at health professionals and will explore the way in which an eating disorder service runs in a mental health trust and the impact carers can have on patients’ response to treatment. Speakers from Nottinghamshire Healthcare and the Institute of Psychiatry will present information on current trends in research and practice and there will be an opportunity to find out more about how to get involved in clinical research. The event will also enable delegates to meet with other professionals from the region.
Nottinghamshire Healthcare provides a variety of services for individuals experiencing eating disorders. The Nottinghamshire Eating Disorder Service offers outpatient care to adults who are considered to have a severe eating disorder. The service works in partnership with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Adult Mental Health Services within the Trust as well as with FREED Beeches. Clinic based services for young people up to the age of 18 in the north and south of Nottinghamshire are also available.
