Blue and pink event for eating disorder awareness

Workers in Jersey are being urged to wear pink and blue to raise awareness of and support for people with eating disorders in the island.

The fundraising day is being held for Jersey Eating Disorders Support, which runs regular group support sessions and training for organisations across the island.

Companies or individuals are being asked to pay a donation and wear the charity's colours for the event on Friday 28 February, which is in its third year.

The charity's deputy chief executive Amy Dingle said: "It raises awareness that we are here and the charity exists. There are a lot of people suffering."

She said support group meetings at the Pomme d'Or Hotel in St Helier on the first and third Monday of the month were attended by about a dozen people either living with an eating disorder or supporting someone with one.

The charity also offers free one-to-one counselling and peer support for people affected by eating disorders.

Ms Dingle said the charity supported about 1,000 people each year.

"It's important to understand that eating disorders go beyond anorexia and bulimia, we are now seeing more people who are experiencing a mixture of disorders whether that be undereating or overeating," she added.

The charity is offering prizes for the organisation which raises the most funds and for the best team photo from the dressing up day.

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