We are the UK’s eating disorder charity. Founded in 1989 as the Eating Disorders Association, our mission is to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders.
Our national Helpline exists to encourage and empower people to get help quickly, because we know the sooner someone starts treatment, the greater their chance of recovery.
People can contact us online or by phone. We listen to them, help them to understand the illness, and support them to take positive steps towards recovery.
We also support family and friends, equipping them with essential skills and advice, so they can help their loved ones recover whilst also looking after their own mental health. And we campaign to increase knowledge among healthcare and other relevant professionals, and for better funding for high-quality treatment, so that when people are brave enough to take vital steps towards recovery, the right help is available to them.
The work we do means that every year lives are saved, families are kept together, and people are able to live free of eating disorders.
Our Helplines are open from 3pm– 8pm, Monday to Friday.
Support on the Helpline is available by phone, email, webchat through our social media accounts and by letter. Calls to the helpline are free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK and do not appear on itemised bills.
Sometimes our lines are busy. If you can't get through immediately, please do try again or try our one-to-one web chat or send us an email.
If you are in need of urgent help or medical advice for yourself or someone else please contact 999 or the Samaritans on 116 123 if you or someone else is in immediate danger. If you are looking for medical advice contact your GP or 111.
Beat provides Helplines for people of all ages, offering support and information about eating disorders no matter where you are in your journey. These Helplines are free to call from all phones.
Staff will end telephone calls if they consider the caller aggressive, abusive or offensive.
Our helplines:
England - 0808 801 0677 , help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Scotland - 0808 801 0432 , Scotlandhelp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Wales - 0808 801 0433 , Waleshelp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Northern Ireland - 0808 801 0434 , NIhelp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
We support people affected by eating disorders.