Febuary 23rd – March 1st is Eating Disorders Awareness Week here in the UK hosted by Beat. This year the theme is all about community.
eating disorders awareness week 2026
This blog includes descriptions of eating disorders that some readers may find distressing. Support is available via Beat 0808 801 0677 or the Samaritans 116 123.
Today’s post will be talking about all things Eating Disorders Awareness Week, something we cover every year on my blog. The theme of 2026 is community, and Beat has produced the short video below as to why this is so important to discuss.
Campaign Video
EDAW 2026 Theme
Eating disorders can be incredibly isolating. Feeling alone is one of the toughest feelings out there. I think back to my darkest moments, and I remember how easily it is to spiral when you’re alone. With nothing to hold onto and break that cycle, it’s very easy to lose footing on the journey of recovery.
That’s why the theme of community is so important for a number of reasons. Family and friends are often dealing with the day-to-day. Even in my own blogs, a lot of the focus is on the individual and the recovery journeys we all go through.
It’s important to recognise (and appreciate) that behind every person there is hopefully family and friends who are trying their best to help. While not medically trained, these people make a vital difference in helping people each and every day.
1.25 million people are currently living with an eating disorder in the UK. That is a huge number, and awareness weeks like this can help reach people who do feel alone and may not have the supportive family and friends we’ve just talked about.
As always, it’s so important that if we’re in a good place, we can check in with our friends and send the reminder that you are not alone. While you may not be able to understand eating disorders, don’t underestimate the positive difference you can make to someone’s life.
And community extends beyond personal relationships. Schools, workplaces and online communities all play a vital role in creating environments where conversations about mental health can take place. Not in a let’s talk about mental health all the time way, but in the sense that when someone needs to talk or have that conversation, the space is there and they don’t feel they have to hide or not speak up and seek the support they need.
This week encourages all of us to look out for those in our own community who may be struggling. Recovery is not something that happens in isolation, and once we can all play a role in supporting someone who is struggling, even if we don’t fully understand what they’re going through.
So this week and beyond lets take the time to ask someone how they are and be there for those within our communities.
