Aneurin Bevan University Health Board’s Specialist Eating Disorders Service (SEDS) is to be expanded with extra Welsh government funding. It provides services like early intervention support, peer support from those with lived experience of eating disorders, as well as support for carers of those with eating disorders.

The programme accepts primary care referrals and supports those at all risk levels. Should it prove successful, it is hoped this model could be rolled out across all of Wales.

This follows the progress the Welsh government has made to improve provision for those suffering from an eating disorder, such as reducing waiting times for assessment and treatment to just four weeks in some health boards, and all-Wales service model for early intervention which is being developed by the NHS Wales Executive with NHS Wales.

Moreover, Wales are ensuring its healthcare staff have the appropriate training to treat eating disorders, the development of targeted strategies for avoid/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and a £100,00 annual investment from Welsh government in BEAT Wales services.

Minister for mental health and wellbeing, who has spoken about her own experiences of living with an eating disorder, said: “These services are a game changer for people who are struggling with eating disorders to be given advice and support from those who have experience themselves.

“I know the devastating impact of eating disorders and how life-saving these services can be.

“With at least one in 50 people in the UK living with an eating disorder, we need to ensure these vital support services are available and accessible to everyone who needs them.”