SYEDA announces exciting plans to use the FREED model in Sheffield to help support young people access help for ED's more quickly.

Young people in Sheffield with an eating disorder including anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating are set to receive rapid help.

The NHS service builds on a successful model shown to help 16-25 year olds in

London, with one patient describing it as ‘the gold standard’ of care.

With eating disorders causing serious physical and mental health problems which can last decades, the expanded service will target care to those who have been living with a condition for fewer than three years, to tackle problems before they escalate.

The service aims to contact teens or young adults coming forward who would benefit from treatment within 48 hours and to see young people within 4 weeks of referral to start treatment; however due to receiving a higher number of referrals this might currently take a bit longer and be up to 6 weeks from referral.

As part of work to transform community mental health services across the country, the Academic Health Science Network are supporting the rollout of FREED

First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders (FREED) is an evidence-based early intervention model for eating disorders, tailored to young people’s needs. Developed six years ago by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London, it provides rapid access to high-quality care for people in the early stages of illness when treatment is most likely to be effective.  

A two-year follow-up study on FREED, published in October last year, showed that patients who were treated for anorexia nervosa via FREED had better weight outcomes and reduced need for day/inpatient care, compared to patients that were treated via standard care pathways. 

The nationwide rollout of the early intervention programme furthers the commitment to the NHS Long Term Plan, to improve access to adult eating disorder services. This will see the NHS expanding the availability of early intervention services, increasing access and reducing waiting times to support improved clinical outcomes for young adults with eating disorders.  

The Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) is supporting the national adoption of evidenced based models including FREED for the early identification of eating disorders in adults aged 16 – 25.  

Ulrike Schmidt, Professor of Eating Disorders at King's College London and Consultant Psychiatrist at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, said:

 “Eating disorders are disabling and potentially deadly, and early treatment is essential.

We are absolutely thrilled with this much needed investment, which further endorses FREED as a highly effective and cost-effective model of care.  We hope that rolling out FREED to 18 specialist eating disorder teams in England, will create the momentum needed to make early intervention a reality for all young people with eating disorders.”    

Michelle Hinde, Clinical Manager of South Yorkshire Eating Disorders Association (SYEDA) said:  

"Eating disorders can ruin young adults lives, so it’s vital that we provide support as quickly as possible to prevent what can be a devastating impact. We’re excited to be launching FREED and hope that with this new approach anyone in Sheffield who is experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder will now be able to access a rapid, evidence-based intervention before the condition spirals out of control. And we are looking forward to be able to offer this service beyond Sheffield in the near future."

 For more information about FREED please refer to https://freedfromed.co.uk/

Celebrating 25 years....

Staff, volunteers and trustees came together during our ‘well-being week’ in July to celebrate SYEDA’s 25th Birthday. Chrissie Taylor, (Patron), Maggie Young (Founder and Trustee) and Jenny Allen (Trustee) shared with staff their memories of setting up SYEDA, the challenges faced in the early years and their own personal stories. And of course, it wouldn’t have been a party without cake!

Our new patron

We would like to announce our new SYEDA Patron, Chrissie Taylor!

Chrissie has a long history with our organisation, from attending the original support group to becoming a trustee.

“My friend’s son had anorexia at the age of 10 and in 1999 I got involved with what was then a small group of concerned people running two support groups, the carers group having recently been started by my friend. With great encouragement from Maggie Young I went onto chair the group,  I trained in eating disorders through SEDS, formed SYEDA, raised the funds initially for an office and then with committed volunteers worked to open our first centre at Zest in Upperthorpe after securing our first Big Lottery Fund.  I also worked for Beat as an associate trainer for a number of years but  I’m now retired. I then spent several years on the SYEDA board of trustees, deciding to step down in October 2019.”

We would like to thank Chrissie for all she has done for the organisation and give her a warm welcome as our new patron!

Business plan 2017-2020

We are delighted to share our new 3 year business plan. The plan was formulated following extensive consultation with stakeholders. It has built upon our experience and success of our previous 3 year plan and demonstrates our commitment to prevention, early intervention and recovery maintenance. We welcome comments and feedback, 

New Support for South Yorkshire and North Lincs

Our charity has been commissioned by RDASH (Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humberside NHS Foundation) to develop and deliver a community eating disorder service across Doncaster, Rotherham and North Lincolnshire. Currently, there is limited support for eating disorders in these areas, so we are pleased to be expanding our charity to help and support local people.

This work will include delivering a training programme to raise awareness of eating disorders amongst primary care, the children’s workforce and education professionals.  SYEDA will also deliver education sessions to young people in schools and colleges. The training for professionals will include:

·         An introduction to eating disorders

·         The different types of eating disorders

·         Causes and risk factors

·         Spotting the signs 

·         Referral and signposting 

The workshops available for young people can be delivered at part of PSHE and can cover:

·         Body image and self-esteem

·         Understanding eating disorders

·         The Media

·         Positive mental health

·         Nutrition

·         Thinking styles and coping strategies

"It was great. Lots of information and confidence raising activities. Allowed the group to ask questions and made us feel comfortable. Thank you so much- hope to work with you again soon." Sheffield outreach worker  

“Very clear and concise information about each of the main eating disorders. Students questions were well answered which enabled them to understand the key issues. A well planned session with active tasks and open discussion. One of our students disclosed that she is suffering from an ED and this is now being dealt with. I would love to work with SYEDA again in the future.”  Sheffield school teacher.

If you work in Doncaster, Rotherham and North Lincolnshire and would like to know more about the education and training programme, please contact Christie Rossiter on christier@syeda.org.uk or 0114 2728822.