#eatingdisorders #eatingdisorderawareness #mentalhealth

Most people only access eating disorder support at crisis point — in this episode, we explore how community can change that.

Early intervention and accessible eating disorder support can make a significant difference to long-term recovery outcomes.

How can community help with eating disorders and what does meaningful support really look like in practice?

In this episode of Wellbeing Talk, I’m joined by Vanessa Longley, CEO of Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity - for a conversation about eating disorder prevention, early intervention, recovery, and the role community plays during Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2026 (EDAW 2026).

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions and often deeply isolating experiences — yet recovery does not happen alone.

Together, we explore common misconceptions about eating disorders, why early support matters, the vital role of families and carers alongside how workplaces, online communities and healthcare systems can better respond to those affected.

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⏱️ Chapters

0:00 Intro - Can Community Help Eating Disorders? | Vanessa Longley

01:44 Why Vanessa Longley Joined Beat & Common Misunderstandings About Eating Disorders

04:21 The Biggest Challenges in Preventing Eating Disorders Today

07:59 Emotional Moments That Show Why Eating Disorder Support Matters

11:58 New Research in Eating Disorders That Gives Hope

14:35 What Beat’s Data Reveals About Unmet Eating Disorder Support in the UK

17:43 What People Really Say When They First Reach Out for Help

20:13 Supporting Parents & Carers in Eating Disorder Recovery

23:49 Beat’s 2025–2030 Strategy Explained — Changing the Story on Eating Disorders

26:30 Calories on Menus: What the Evidence Says About Eating Disorders

28:25 Why Early Help Matters & What Stops People Getting Support Sooner

31:00 Social Media, Online Communities & Eating Disorder Recovery

37:28 New NHS Eating Disorder Guidance for Children & Young People — What’s Changed?

43:30 How the NHS and Charities Like Beat Can Work Better Together

47:30 Inequality in Eating Disorder Care — Geography, Identity & Stigma

52:08 The Role of Employers in Supporting Eating Disorders at Work

54:35 Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2026 — Why Community Matters

57:05 How to Support Someone with an Eating Disorder (Practical Advice)

58:25 The Future of Eating Disorder Support by 2030

59:30 A Message for Anyone Struggling or Supporting a Loved One

01:01:07 Outro

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If you or someone you know is affected by an eating disorder, confidential support is available via

Beat: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

Beat Eating Disorders Helpline: 0808 801 0677 (UK)

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