'Eating disorder charity gave me my life back'

Peds charity is celebrating its 10-year anniversary of supporting people

A charity that supports people with eating disorders has celebrated its 10-year anniversary.

Personalised Eating Disorder Support (Peds) is a nurse-led charity, which has helped about 10,000 people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough since it was created in 2014.

Nurse Mandy Scott founded the organisation after she had anorexia as a teenager. She said the charity has come "an incredibly long way" with 700 people now being supported by the service each year.

Sarah, who was supported by Peds, said the charity has given her life back to her and she now wanted others to know there was help out there.

The NHS defines an eating disorder as a mental health condition where you use the control of food to cope with feelings and other situations.

The Peterborough-based charity offers support and signposting to people suffering from the disorder, as well as their families.

Ms Scott said eating disorders can "impact anyone irrespective of who you are".

She said: "[The charity] has come a long way. When we started, we were seeing 15 referrals a month but we are up to about 700 a year now across Cambridgeshire.

"The service has developed significantly for adults and children with a team of 15 employees and volunteers.

"On Saturday we will be celebrating raising awareness about eating disorders. Giving people hope that they can learn to manage and get better."

'I have my life back'

Sarah was first encouraged by her friends to seek help for her symptoms 10 years ago.

"I was anxious about going to the GP. For those struggling with eating disorder there is hesitation to speak about it," she said.

"I hadn't heard of the charity before going to my GP and it was a huge relief to know there were specialists to help you with it.

"The recovery journey [feels as if] life is like having freedom again.

"Freedom from the thoughts and behaviours.

"I have my life back. It is important for others to know you can have a life without eating disorders."