Eating Disorder Charity Peds Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary

Personalised Eating Disorder Support (Peds), a nurse-led charity dedicated to assisting individuals with eating disorders, has marked its 10-year anniversary. Since its establishment in 2014, Peds has provided aid to approximately 10,000 people throughout Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Nurse Mandy Scott, who founded the organization following her own experience with anorexia during her teenage years, stated that the charity has advanced “an incredibly long way,” now assisting 700 individuals annually. Sarah, a former recipient of Peds’ support, expressed that the charity restored her life and conveyed her desire for others to be aware that assistance is accessible. The NHS defines an eating disorder as a mental health condition characterized by using food control to manage emotions and various situations. This Peterborough-based charity provides support and guidance to individuals affected by the disorder, alongside their families. Ms. Scott commented that eating disorders can “impact anyone irrespective of who you are.” She further stated: “[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, the charity will be “celebrating raising awareness about eating disorders. Giving people hope that they can learn to manage and get better.” Sarah initially sought assistance for her symptoms a decade ago, prompted by encouragement from her friends. She recounted: “I was anxious about going to the GP. For those struggling with eating disorder there is hesitation to speak about it.” Sarah added: “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.” She described the recovery process, stating that “[feels as if] life is like having freedom again. Freedom from the thoughts and behaviours.” Sarah concluded: “I have my life back. It is important for others to know you can have a life without eating disorders.”