Weaverham-based eating disorder support group celebrates first anniversary (From Northwich Guardian)

Weaverham-based eating disorder support group celebrates first anniversary

8:50am Saturday 4th February 2012 in News By Beth Allcock

A KINGSMEAD woman who took strength from her 10-year battle with anorexia to set up an eating disorder advice group is celebrating its first anniversary.

Youth support worker Helen Davies joined forces with B-eat, the national charity for people with eating disorders, last February, to help organise the Cheshire West Eating Support Team (CWEST).

The 32-year-old was diagnosed with anorexia 12 years ago, while she was studying at university.

After her recovery, she enlisted the help of three volunteers and the team set up two monthly support sessions, for both carers and sufferers aged 18 or more, at Weaverham Community Centre.

Celebrations of the group’s milestone will be linked to National Eating Disorder week, on February 20, and a curry-fest charity fundraiser three days later.

Helen, 32, said: “It was just something to give back to the community.

“At the end of the day, suffering from anorexia was 10 years of hell but something good has come out of it.

“The group has been going really well, we started the actual meetings in August and since then it has just grown.

“We have had about 10 sufferers coming to the meetings and a few less carers, and we are now setting up our website too.

“It takes a while for people to pluck up the courage to go to a group and it is quite hard but it is going well, and there was a definitely a need.

“I was pleased it was so well attended and those that are coming are making steps each time we see them.

“Last month, we had three really positive outcomes and they say how important the group is to them and how much they look forward to coming every month.”

She added that the support group for carers was very important for carers of those suffering from illnesses such as anorexia.

She added: “When I was ill my parents had noone to go to and they were just on their own, because they had no experience of it before.

“They really struggled to talk to anyone.”

CWEST relies on fundraising activities to secure cash for its activities and Helen is now calling on townsfolk to snap up tickets for its next event, a four-course Indian Buffet at Wincham’s Bengal Dynasty.

The meal and music will take place on Thursday, February 23, at 7.30pm and anyone is welcome.

“It’s all about raising awareness of the illness and support group and also raising money,” Helen added.

Tickets are priced at £15 per ticket and available from Helen on 07763061307 or email helen@cwestinfo.

The team is also looking to recruit new volunteers to help their work, fundraising efforts and leaflet-dropping.

For further information, call the number above, or visit cwest.info.

Share your views at northwichguardian.co.uk.