In my short life I have fund-raised for many charities. But Beat is a very important charity to me. The parent helpline helped my mum with finding help and support for me. They have also given me advice when I needed it.
Beat provide information and support about all eating disorders, and where to get help and support. They provide expert training and support and consultancy about eating disorders, for those working in the health care sector. Beat also support and encourage research into eating disorders and challenge stereotypes and stigma, increase understanding and campaign for better services and access to treatment. Amongst many other things.
So using Beat’s Help Finder directory of public and private services. Shows that the three closest treatment centres are:
- South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (74.1 miles)
- Eating Disorder Services – Black Country Partnership Foundation Trust (77.1 miles)
- Newbridge House (77.9 miles).
Using these places as targets I decided to hold a bike-athon in my local mental health centre –Ponthafren.
On Friday the 26th February there were bucket loads of cake available including healthy and Vegan cakes. I started at 10am and with help from some volunteers in finally made it at 3.20pm I reached the final target of 77.9 miles. To say I was exhausted was an understatement. All the members at Ponthafren counted down with me to each target with a huge round of applause. It was a huge achievement for me and it demonstrates how far someone could possibly have to travel to get specialist help.
Over all we raise £79.24 for Beat’s Sock It to Eating Disorders.
It’s not the amount of money we raised that counts but the fact we did it! I hope there comes a day when eating disorders are more understood and treatment is easier to access.
Before I sign off, please remember to talk about eating disorders be willing to learn more. It’s time to smash the stigma! Let’s all sock it to Eating Disorders.
Sarah Dale >^..^<
Black Cat Project 