About the campaign

Eating Disorders have increased greatly since the 2020 lockdowns, and the effect of times of stress throughout our adolescence cannot be undervalued.

In fact, in 2022 specifically, the NHS treated a record number of young people with eating disorders, and this number continues to rise.

Despite still being a taboo subject, it’s essential that young people are properly made aware of and understand warning signs as well sustainable positive lifestyle activities to keep them on a positive journey throughout adolescence.

I want to help to open conversations on our external pressures, and how these can lead to lifelong problems from self-harm, eating disorders, substance abuse, violence and mental illness.

And it’s not too late to speak out about the challenges of social media and peer pressure on young people, as we live in a digital age which significantly affects our decisions!

Objectives

• Create resources and guides for classroom conversations around healthy eating and body image – as these discussions seem to be overlooked in our schools.
• Promote early intervention and create a resource for young people about where to turn for help in Somerset.
• Consult young people to hear their experiences of unhealthy and negative behaviours.
• Network and create links with local organisations to ensure young people are aware of how they can be supported.
• Produce a report to outline my campaign’s findings and recommendations for best practise.
• Identify at risk groups and prominent issues to help guide my campaign.