Campaigners are to hold an awareness day at the University of Huddersfield to highlight eating disorders.

Huddersfield-based carers’ support group Families of Eating Disorder Sufferers (FEDS) is to host a day-long session to boost early diagnosis.

FEDS has joined forces with Huddersfield University’s health department to stage the special event.

Hosted by FEDS founder Cherie Hinchliffe and Fiona Trotter, who is the university’s senior lecturer and field leader for mental health, the day aimed at health professionals, school nurses, youth workers and Scout and guide leaders.

Symptoms and behavioural changes to watch out for include: severe weight loss; depression or mood swings; obsession with food or changes in eating habits; poor sleeping patterns, stomach pains, dizziness or sore throat or mouth infections.

Cherie, 43, of Newsome, has previously helped student nurses at the university gain a valuable insight into the effects of eating disorders on patients, families and carers.

Now the group wanted to spread the message to a wider audience and Cherie said: “Most people only come across eating disorders in the media unless they know someone personally affected.

“There are a lot of misconceptions out there. We know that eating disorders can affect children as young as nine and boys as well as girls.

“We need to let professionals know the symptoms and warning signs. We know that early diagnosis gives patients a better chance of recovery.”

Cherie’s daughter Hayley Mellor, now 17, was diagnosed with an eating disorder just days after her 13th birthday.

Her experience led her to set up the support group in 2012. The group now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the University of Huddersfield.

Eating Disorders Awareness Day will be held on May 15 (9am-4.30pm). Places are free but must be booked in advance.

For details click here.

FEDS’ latest campaign is to highlight problems parents of teenagers face during treatment for eating disorders.

Up to the age of 18 young people are treated by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) but once they reach 18 their care moves to adult health services.

Overnight the teenager becomes classed as an adult and doctors are bound by patient confidentiality rules which mean parents and carers cannot be kept informed unless the patient gives permission.

A Huddersfield mum, whose daughter turned 18 during her treatment, said: “As a parent you can be completely excluded and have no idea what is going on, unless your child gives express permission.

“As soon as a young person turns 18 they technically become adults but the nature of this illness means they often revert to being like children.

“They have appear to be adults but they don’t behave like that.

“Overnight parents become completely out of the loop on how to support their child through what is a very difficult period.”

The mum called for patient confidentiality to be waived for child mental health disorders.

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