Photo: Nia, who’s now in recovery from an eating disorder, and her mother, Teresa.
[Beat] provided me with invaluable support, particularly in the early days of my recovery when I felt I had no one else to talk to who understood me and what was going on in my brain. I will be forever grateful for the kindness and empathy shown to me through the Helpline when I’d really hit rock bottom with my eating disorder.
As the UK’s eating disorder charity, Beat saw first-hand how hard the coronavirus pandemic hit those struggling with these serious mental illnesses. Social distancing measures took their toll on treatment access, food availability, and connection to vital support networks, and by the time the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ broadcast our Lifeline appeal, demand for our Helpline had surged by over 70%. So we were exceptionally grateful to Christopher Eccleston, who presented our appeal, and to all who donated.
The £21,040 raised helped us keep our Helpline running during one of the most difficult and uncertain times for both Beat and people with eating disorders, though the devastating impact of eating disorders on people’s lives is not a new phenomenon. Beat provides a non-judgmental space where those who have or are caring for someone with an eating disorder can get support and information. Talking to someone can make a real difference for people like Nia:
“During the depths of my anorexia and bulimia, I felt isolated, lost and alone… I felt so much shame and didn’t know who to turn to. In a moment of desperation, I picked up the phone and called the Beat Helpline. The woman who answered the phone provided me with a safe space to explore the difficult emotions I was feeling, and her kindness and patience gave me the encouragement to be open and vulnerable… coming off the phone I felt hopeful that recovery was possible and that things could get better.”
Demand for our Helpline has continued to grow. But thanks to those who supported our appeal and other generous donors, we’re able to help more and more people take steps towards recovery.
We’d like to say a huge thank you to Christopher Eccleston and to everyone who supported the appeal.
You can learn more about Beat’s work to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders at the .