People in Bradford suffering from eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating are being urged to speak out during a national awareness week.

Staff at Bradford District Care Trust wants sufferers and their families to get the care, treatment and support they need during National Eating Disorders Week, which begins on Monday.

The trust’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) team supports young people and their parents who are experiencing all forms of eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating.

Lisa Stead, CAMHS team manager, said: “We can only help people who speak out. Families and friends often spot the signs of a developing eating disorder and don’t know how or at what point to seek help.

“The earlier help is sought the quicker the recovery. It can take a long time for people with an eating disorder to accept or even recognise there may be a problem.”

The eating disorder service is made up of professionals including psychologists, nurses, family therapists, a consultant psychiatrist and a dietitian, who provide support, including daily mealtime supervision, family and individual therapy and weekly weighing.

“We provide home treatment as an alternative to in-patient care, offering the young person and the family the chance to remain as a unit and fight the illness together,” said Miss Stead. “But for those who do require in-patient care and treatment we access beds as locally as possible and play an active role in the young persons care while an in-patient.

“This ensures that as soon as possible the young person is returned back home with intensive home treatment package in place.”

Anyone concerned about their health or that of someone in their family should speak to their GP.