The SDLP’s Mark H Durkan has reiterated his calls for improved specialised support for people suffering from eating disorders in the North of Ireland.
Figures obtained from the Department Health have shown the number of referrals made to adults eating disorder services and to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS) is increasing year on year.
As of 2022, there were 846 referrals for help with eating disorders.
Speaking on Eating Disorders Awareness Week, the Foyle MLA said: “Sadly, the number of people suffering from eating disorders in the North is on the rise.
“It’s important that people struggling with this illness are able to access bespoke support here in Northern Ireland, to date that provision hasn’t been readily available.
“Addressing eating disorders remains a key element of the Mental Health Strategy.
“It is shameful that all strands of this vital strategy cannot be fully implemented in the absence of a minister and continued budget uncertainty. In the meantime, vulnerable individuals continue to suffer without access to tailored treatment.
“This is an issue I’ve been working hard to progress in recent years including efforts to secure a dedicated centre to provide in-patient treatment.
“Currently patients here have to leave their families for treatment elsewhere in the UK which presents an added and unnecessary barrier to recovery.
“Being around family and support network can be key to patients’ recovery, so it’s important that every effort is made to improve access to localised services.”
Mr Durkan added: “Eating disorder awareness week is an opportunity to renew those calls for adequate services here and an opportunity to begin a dialogue.
“It’s incredibly difficult for most people to ask for help but together we can create a safe space where people can turn for support towards recovery.”