Local voluntary groups are backing a new initiative that supports young people with eating disorders.

‘Healthy Thinking for Me’ is a two-year project - funded by Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity, following a successful grant application to NHS Charities Together of £94,000 - run by Spring North Consortium.

Among those supporting the project are Child Action Northwest, New Era Enterprises, Serenity Self Care & Well Being CIC, PAC, and One Voice Blackburn.

The project is in response to local voluntary sector organisations and agencies who saw ‘a worrying increase in the number of young people accessing healthy eating projects’.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, eating disorder referrals have increased by 70 per cent and children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) referrals have increased by 60 per cent according to Mental Health Services Data Set.

Activity is currently running two to three times higher than in previous years, particularly in the age range between 13 and 18 years.

A series of 12-week support session work has allowed young people to learn how to monitor their eating and moods, exchange unhealthy habits for healthy ones, and explore healthy ways to cope with stressful situations.

More than 100 young people are expected to receive help through the programme.

Healthy Thinking for Me will also support children and young people on the eating paediatric eating disorder wards in Blackburn Royal and Blackpool hospitals.

Angela Allen, chief executive at Spring North Consortium, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be conducting this fantastic piece of work with our partners.

"It will allow us to make a tangible difference to the lives of children and young people in Lancashire.

“Without this funding and therefore the interventions there was a real risk of further stress being placed onto the system, requiring a higher level of support by Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust.”

Paula Wilson, head of charities at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity, said: ‘We are delighted to secure funding of £94,000 from NHS Charities Together to enable this new collaborative service that will support young people across the region facing eating disorders and associated conditions.’’

Ellie Orton OBE, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, added: “The rise in eating disorders amongst young people in Lancashire and South Cumbria is heart-breaking to see, and it’s vital they have access to effective support.

“By supporting children and young people before conditions escalate, these initiatives can help children and young people get early help and reduce the impact of eating disorders in the longer term, and we look forward to seeing the positive difference they make.”