Eating Disorders Awareness Week
What is Eating Disorders Awareness Week?
Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a national, annual campaign that aims to educate people on the realities of eating disorders. 1.25 million people in the UK suffer from an eating disorder, which can include eating excessively or limited amounts and removing food eaten through unhealthy practices.
The date raises awareness and encourages education on the topic, highlighting the importance of knowing how to offer support and the help that is available.
How is Eating Disorder Awareness Week Observed?
Eating disorder and mental health charities share information to educate people on the different ways eating disorders are experienced, debunk myths surrounding the topic and help those who love or care for someone with an eating disorder.
Social media is used to share resources and bring attention to the day as well as virtual events where real-life experiences are shared.
Eating Disorder Awareness Week and Employment
Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses, which can affect anyone. Even hard working, dedicated and high performing employees can suffer with poor mental health and eating disorders, organisations can encourage a welcoming and inclusive workplace by:
- Showing support for employees by participating in Eating Disorder Awareness Week
- Creating awareness by sharing resources and information
- Providing mental health awareness training for all employees
- Putting clear practices in place, including routes to support
- Instilling confidence in employees by starting conversations and reassuring confidentiality
- Training mental health first aiders
- Ensure absence policies are supportive
- Providing flexible working practices to help people manage themselves
