​Charity partnership makes sure patients voices are heard by GPs

A charity funded initiative will see GPs given a new information pack to help them treat patients with eating disorders.

Created by the Consultation and Advocacy Promotion Service (Caps), but funded by See Me, the pack which was announced today, to coincide with the start of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, will provide GPs tips on how best to approach, talk to and treat someone who is showing signs of being unwell.

Caps will bring people together who have had an eating disorder, to create the pack, and it will contain their experiences and tips on how GPs best approach, talk to and treat someone who is showing signs of being unwell.

The pack is expected to launch in spring and will be issued to GPs in the Lothians.

Niamh Allen, from Caps, said: “Currently there are not many resources for people with eating disorders to access and waiting lists for specialist treatment are very long.

People have told us of GPs lack of understanding and empathy in working with people who contact them for help.

“Early recognition and treatment is vital but not happening. Usually the GP is the first point of contact for someone with an eating disorder so it is vital for the GPs to know how best to approach and treat them.

“People have told us of GPs lack of understanding and empathy in working with people who contact them for help.

“We hope this project will reduce stigma amongst the general public about eating disorders and also reduce self-stigma.”

As well as information for GPs the pack will also contain posters and easy-read leaflets for surgeries. These will contain information about how the disorders can affect people’s lives, along with contact information of local supports and stories of recovery.

Judith Robertson, See Me programme director, said: “We are passionate about ending the stigma and discrimination that is unfairly attached to having a mental health problem.

“Eating disorders are widely misunderstood and occur for a variety of reasons and we hope this work from Caps will make a real difference to the lives of people experiencing eating disorders.

“We are delighted to support this project looking to educate GPs and the public on eating disorders, helping to reduce the stigma that people unfairly face when they are unwell.”