Norfolk eating disorder charity urges family to shift focus of Christmas away from food
The charity Beat - which is based in Norwich - estimates that 1.25 million people suffer from an eating disorder of some kind
A group in Norfolk that supports those with eating disorders is telling us that shifting the focus of Christmas away from food, will help everyone fully enjoy the festive period.
The charity Beat - which is based in Norwich - estimates that 1.25 million people suffer from an eating disorder of some kind, across the UK.
A quarter of those affected are thought to be men.
"Doing that can help them be fully prepared and ensure there are no surprises"
Tom Freeston is from the group and says family and friends have a key role to play:
"They can talk to their loved one ahead of time about how and when food is going to be prepared. Doing that can help them be fully prepared and ensure there are no surprises.
"Having distractions on during meal-times, such as playing music, can also help take the full focus away from food.
"Beyond that, playing board games or going on a family walk, something which doesn't fully orientate around food, can be really helpful.
"But if it does get too much, don't feel like you have to stay in that environment, you can step out."
Links to support:
Beat
Telephone: 0808 801 0677 (England)
Website- beateatingdisorders.org.uk
British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)
Website- babcp.com
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Website- bacp.co.uk
Hub of Hope
Website- hubofhope.co.uk