My Voice Matters: Eating Disorders

Healthwatch Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire undertook a survey to explore  the challenges faced by individuals with eating disorders in BaNES, Swindon, and Wiltshire, as well as the available support services. The report gathers feedback through surveys, interviews, and engagement sessions carried out between between September 2023 and May 2024. The survey was completed by 230 participants. In depth interviews with family members of individuals struggling with eating disorders were used to develop case study examples.

Key findings highlight significant issues such as poor communication between services, inadequate support for individuals with autism, and challenges in transitioning from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to adult services. Many respondents felt that they had to reach a crisis point before receiving adequate support. The report concludes that the current services are not meeting the needs of those with eating disorders and provides several recommendations about services in the area, including improved communication, better transitions between services, increased training for professionals, and enhanced mental health support.