Eating disorder sufferers will be sharing personal stories about their illness and journey to recovery at an event in Spalding this weekend.
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has organised an eating disorders educational event at Spalding Services and Social Club on Saturday, to give residents the opportunity to meet specialist clinicians and some of the people they are currently treating.
The free event will showcase people who have recovered from an eating disorder, their carers and healthcare specialists, who will be talking openly and honestly about eating disorders and the support and treatment available locally.
More than 1.5 million people in the UK are affected by an eating disorder. Of these around 11 per cent are male.
It is estimated 10 per cent of people with eating disorders are anorexic and 40 per cent are bulimic.
The rest fall into general eating disorders, which includes people who binge eat.
Heather Killick, nurse specialist for anorexia nervosa service, said: “We want to give people, their families, and other healthcare professionals the opportunity to meet our specialist eating disorder team in a warm, friendly and non-judgemental atmosphere.
“With the right information, support and advice, it is possible to recover from a debilitating eating disorder and lead a healthy, happy life. Listening to some of our service users and carers share their incredible journeys will be particularly encouraging.”
Trust governors, who will be a public voice for residents in Lincolnshire from April 1, will also be on hand to discuss local mental health issues and answer questions about the future provision of services.
To book a place at the event, from 2pm to 5pm (doors open at 1.30pm), or for more information, call the Trust’s membership and involvement team on 01529 222277 or email them at info@lpft.nhs.uk