Transformation Partners in Health and Care > Children and Young People Eating Disorders Communications Messaging Toolkit

Children and Young People Eating Disorders Communications Messaging Toolkit

During the Covid-19 pandemic there has been a surge in the number of referrals for children and young people (CYP) with a suspected eating disorder. Data shows an 85% increase in referrals to CYP Community Eating Disorder Services comparing to Q3 2019/20 to 2020/21 in London1,2. Additionally, the eating disorder charity BEAT has seen a three-fold increase in the number of calls to their helplines over the past year.

These data highlight the increasing pressures on CYP Community Eating Disorder services in London as well as other parts of the system such as paediatrics and accident and emergency services. Healthy London Partnership has created a community of practice with providers across London to enable shared learning and highlight areas for support. One area of support highlighted was the need for a toolkit consolidating available messaging and resources for CYP eating disorders, which is why this toolkit has been created. In addition, this toolkit is available in time for the 2021 Eating Disorder Awareness Week beginning 1st March.

Eating disorders can affect anyone. The stereotype that someone with an eating disorder is a young, white, underweight female, is dangerous and as can result in other people being missed, e.g., males or those who are a healthy weight or overweight. Getting treatment earlier can make a positive difference in someone’s recovery, therefore it is vital to keep an open mind when thinking about who may be affected and act quickly if an eating disorder is suspected.

Whilst specific arrangements and support offers vary across boroughs, the toolkit available to download from this page sets out key messages for organisation to use (ideally via your communications teams) across London, with supporting assets to:

  1. Increase awareness of available eating disorder resources and support offers for children and young people
  2. Promote and provide clear consistent messaging for education professionals, parents, carers, and general practitioners on how to spot the early signs of eating disorders and what to do about it.

Healthy London Partnership has also created CYP Eating Disorder guidelines which can be found here for education professionals and here for general practitioners and primary care professionals.

What is included in the toolkit document: 

  • Children and Young People Eating Disorders communications messaging
  • A selection of social media images aligned to specific posts and social media channels
  • Links to available resources from Healthy London Partnership and BEAT.

Download the Eating Disorders toolkit here

1 https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/02/CYPED-Publication-Q3-2020-21-XLS-Nat-Reg-new-codes.xls

2 https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/02/CYPED-Publication-Q3-2019-20-XLS-Nat-Reg-new-codes.xls