Improve eating disorder services & media coverage
Improve eating disorder services & media coverage
Why this petition matters
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was already a growing need for mental health services, particular for eating disorder services. The impact of COVID-19 is still hard to measure but it has undoubtedly contributed further to a growing need for support and services.
In October 2020, the Health and Social Care Board published a mental health prevalence study and found that approximately 1 in 6 children and young people engaged in a pattern of disordered eating and associated behaviours that might indicate the need for further clinical assessment.
In the north of Ireland, between March 2019 and September 2020 referrals to eating disorder services jumped by 43% and those needing a review jumped by 64%.
The Department of Health’s commitment to publish a Mental Health Action Plan from the New Decade New Approach deal, states that eating disorder services will be reviewed as part of the review into specialist services. This review is due to finish in July 2021.
It is time to invest in services and initiatives to support those with an eating disorder.
I am calling on the Department of Health, as part of its review to:
1. Establish a dedicated inpatient and outpatient service
2. Fully incorporate and support binge eating within the local care pathway
3. Ensure that no images of models used in public health campaigns are photoshopped
Please show your support by signing and sharing this petition.
Links:
http://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=313835