Schools use eating disorder website as teaching resource

The website is being used as a teaching tool for young people, not just in Northern Ireland, but as far away as United States.

A Colorado after school club has made contact through the site to say thank you for the resource, developed by Stamp-ED and the Northern Trust’s Eating Disorder Team. Its students have been using the site to help them with eating disorder projects.

Imelda McLeod, Northern Trust Manager for the Eating Disorder Team, said: “We were delighted to hear from the group in United States. A lot of work has been put into the site and it is fantastic to hear that it is being used in such a setting.

“Our primary aim has always been to raise the profile of eating disorder and its impact, not only on the sufferer, but also for the family.

“We hope that this will encourage people to seek help more quickly, when the condition is more treatable.

“The earlier eating disorder can be identified, the quicker treatment can be started, and the greater likelihood of a full recovery.

“If someone has had an eating disorder, they can relapse again, particularly during a stressful period. If they have received help and treatment before, they can identify their own personal signs and symptoms, and prevent a major relapse.”

The eating disorder website is accessible at www.Stamp-ed.co.uk. It was launched in December 2011. Since then, it has had over 1500 unique visitors. The website provides information about eating disorders, symptoms to look out for, how to get help and dates for support group meetings.

The Northern area eating disorder support group meets on the first Monday of every month at First Presbyterian Church Hall, Meeting House Avenue, Ballymena (from 7-9pm). The meeting is open to anyone within the Northern Trust area who has an eating disorder, past or present, and their friends or family.

For more details, visit the site at www.Stamp-ed.co.uk or contact the Trust’s Eating Disorder Team on 028 9441 3307.