Steve Brine is highlighting a local eating disorder group, following the launch of Beat's Eating Disorder Awareness Week on Tuesday 28th February in Parliament.
Run by Trinity, the eating disorder peer support groups are self-help meetings held in Winchester city centre for people wanting to recover from an eater disorder or those who are concerned for someone with an eating disorder.
The groups are run by trained facilitators with experience in eating disorders, and they aim to provide an environment where individuals can benefit from understanding, empathy, mutual support and information – helping people to help themselves.
Steve Brine said: "I met with Sarah who runs the local group a couple of years back, and was very impressed. We have been in touch with each other this week as part of Beat's Eating Disorder Awareness Week, as it is vital that we raise awareness of eating disorders and ensure that adequate treatment is available for everyone who needs it.
The Parliamentary launch of the week was hosted by Beat, a national charity which is dedicated to defeating eating disorders. The event was an opportunity for MPs to learn more about the charity's vital work in raising awareness of eating disorders, and focussed on the importance of early intervention to make sure everyone who suffers from these serious mental illnesses gets the treatment they need as quickly as possible.
Steve continued: "I am delighted to support Beat in their Eating Awareness Disorder Week. It is vital that we raise awareness of eating disorders and ensure that adequate treatment is available for everyone who needs it. Beat carries out crucial work, especially by continually highlighting the importance of spotting the first signs of eating disorders to ensure people access the help they need very early on."
Beat Chief Executive Andrew Radford said: "I am delighted that Steve Brine MP has backed our campaign. We hope this event has highlighted to MPs the importance of early intervention and the key part that plays in a person's chances of recovery. MPs can play a pivotal role in shaping Government policy or raising the issues in Parliament, as well as speaking to people in their constituencies, who may face problems of eating disorders."
Beat's survey of nearly 1,700 respondents, unveiled this week, revealed some key findings. One of these was that three out of ten eating disorder sufferers do not receive a referral from their GP to a mental health service for treatment, despite medical guidance that stresses the need for immediate referral.  In addition, while half of those suffering from eating disorders have received good or very good care from their GP, half rated it poor or very poor.
The charity is calling for increased training of medical students specialising in general practice, so that all GPs can properly diagnose the psychological and behavioural symptoms of eating disorders and so refer immediately. Beat is also calling for more funds to be made available nationwide so that everyone can get the treatment they need once they have been referred to mental health services.
Steve added: "I would urge my constituents to take a look at the links below and share them around friends and family, as the excellent support from Sarah and her team is most certainly out there."
Pictured; Steve Brine with Beat Chief Executive Andrew Radford
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