I am socking it to eating disorders (ED) to raise funds for Beat and awareness. I hope this goes some small way towards helping Beat change the lives of all those affected by ED. In 2014 Beat celebrated their 25th anniversary. This charity has been unrelenting in driving forward and strives to make a difference to the lives of those affected by these serious mental illnesses.

Admittedly I am doing this for personal reasons due to my friends who lost their lives to an ED, in memory of them; and because of my own lengthy fight with an eating disorder which emerged aged 12. There was no intervention until I had graduated from university, by then an ED (a symptom of chronic traumas endured throughout my life prior to then). According to Beat’s credible word “On average, 149 weeks pass before those experiencing eating disorder symptoms seek help. That’s almost three years, 37 months or 1,043 days. 

Forward 36 years and my lethal companion still has a firm hold of me. Therefore, I am socking it to eating disorders to raise awareness, from lived experience, for the lack of appropriate, in fact any treatment available for adults. Where on earth within the mental health care system does palliative care become the only option stated in black and white in a care plan for someone with an ED? I will strive to change the reality for many like me in the UK - and carry on “knocking” on doors in the media until someone offers to hear and share my story. I am firm in the belief now that one of my alters voices provides incredible insight (I live with a complex dissociative disorder, hence I consider the voice to be from one part of my self). Despite the current state of my physical health this voice is one of reason and clarity. I sense I deep passion and drive to be a voice for others. It is because of a hellish experience stuck within the mental health system for tens of years that I firmly believe I have found my reason for having lived to date. I have a story that not only deserves to be heard, there may also well be a potential for rich information to be gleaned from it. Why else does a chronic history of trauma occur, if not to be disclosed for something worthy to be harvested.

Beat is the UK’s eating disorder charity. They are not only helping people with eating disorders but also providing support for those with emotional overeating and difficulties with food, weight and shape. 

I have been a part of Beat one way or another for approximately 25 years. In the early days Beat was known as the EDA (Eating Disorders Association) before the days of mass social media! The EDA had a support worker who’d write to me for the many years. Jane (not her real name) was was the only companion willing to listen and understand the lengthy words I would pen down lengthy letters to her during every 365+ bleak, desperate day i.e. numerous lengthy admissions, sectioned.  Where I had zero insight or awareness as to why I had ended up like this, with the complex needs, considered untreatable back in the 90s. I remember to this day how excruciatingly alone and at fault I felt, vulnerable also to whatever frightening treatment was believed necessary. Some forms were barbaric to say the very least. At no time was I given the opportunity of any treatment other than that provided, “inprisioned” within the walls of a general adult psychiatric unit. This provided no specialist help for a young adult suffering with an eating disorder. No one should have to face an eating disorder alone. And that is one of many reasons why Beat is there.

The EDA “began life in 1989 as the first national charity for people with eating disorders”. Beat is “a champion, guide and friend to anyone affected by eating disorders, giving individuals experiencing an eating disorder and their loved ones a place where they feel listened to, supported and empowered”

Beat conveys the “sooner someone gets the treatment they need, the more likely they are to make a full and fast recovery”. As well as campaigning to improve the services available, Beat recognises that they “must raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of an eating disorder and encourage and empower people to take action now – no matter how long their symptoms have been present”. For this reason it is imperative I “do” my part. 

I have survived against many odds stacked against me. since the word go. That is no exaggeration nor a theatrical verse to gain attraction or sympathy. This is purely fact. And therefore a firm passion and purpose I hold close to my heart is to speak out and do what I can. At the end of the day we all need to sock it to eating disorders, it’s something that many can relate to as many people have difficulties with food and dieting. Research confirms that anorexia, due to the effects of weight loss and starvation on the body and brain, has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder (Arcelus, Mitchel, Wales & Nelson, 2011). 

This insidious disease can not carry on to affect many of our younger generation. No one person can go down the same road as me. If this long piece has still got your attention, sorry this has gone on so long! thank you most sincerely for any support are able to afford.

I have been making jewellery for approximately 2 years. This has proved to be a mindful therapeutic hobby. This was branded ‘JackSpratt Jewellery’ after my Border Terrier Sir Jack Spratticus! (Winner - Friends For Life Award, Crufts 2018; Owner Trained Assistance Dog for Mental Health). I re-homed Jack from Border Terrier Welfare UK in 2012 and therefore have sold items made locally in aid of this charity. 

On this occasion, a percentage (at least 20%) from pieces (silver or gold plated) made as a result of this Make-a-thon that are sold, will be donated to Beat (a bonus! separate to the total raised from this fundraising event). NB. charms, beads, findings etc. necessary to create ‘JackSpratt Jewellery’ are entirely funded by myself.