“Together we help them beat eating disorders”
My name is Tash and I’m a Helpline Advisor at Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity.
I work on Youthline, a helpline set up by Beat which is supported by BBC Children in Need.
My role is to respond to calls, emails and messages from those experiencing an eating disorder, and to support their friends, family and loved ones.
It’s amazing to have the opportunity to help people every single day; to go home after a shift and know that you’ve made a difference
Our support helps children and young people to open up and speak to their family and friends, to seek professional support and to manage the daily difficulties of living with an eating disorder.
We also organise daily online peer support groups and training courses for teachers and school staff to help them support pupils who may be suffering.
It’s all about empowering teachers, nurses and family members so they’re able to provide better support.
Occasionally we hear back from someone who has been supported by Beat months or even years later, and their life has headed in a totally different direction.
Seeing this difference makes every day worth it. There have definitely been happy tears shed on more than one occasion.
Hear first hand from young people who have been helped by Youthline
Without the money from BBC Children in Need there would be longer wait times on the phone line and less calls answered.
We know that often when people work up the courage to call us and don’t get through, it may take a long time before they feel able to try again, or in some cases they may not call again at all. Delays in starting treatment for eating disorders can make recovery more difficult.
But thanks to the funding from BBC Children in Need, we can answer more calls, respond to more emails and run more training courses.
I want to say a big thank you to all the people who support us by raising money for BBC Children in Need. I hope you know how much of a difference you’re making.
