SOUTHAMPTON adults struggling with an eating disorder or caring for someone with one are being offered free places on a charity-run course.

Options Wellbeing Trust, which offers a range of professional wellbeing support, is inviting sufferers of all types of eating disorder, and those who care for them, to sign up for an eight-session course from November 16.

Wendy Lee, head of health and wellbeing at the organisation on Dukes Road, said: “It’s thought one in ten of us nationally has an eating disorder and it’s anticipated that this is set to rise further, and we know, in Southampton, there are long waiting lists to see the NHS Eating Disorder Team.

“We’re hoping to reach people who may be waiting for the NHS Eating Disorder Team to get in touch or haven’t yet asked for help. The eating issues they’re struggling with may or may not be diagnosed, but they are significantly impacting on their lives, and we can help.

“Places are booking up fast, but we still have capacity to help more people if they would like to join us, and we’d suggest anyone interested gets in touch as soon as they can to secure their place.

“The course is non-threatening, educational, and encourages a self-help approach that really works. It is run in the community by people who have had lived experience and care about those who struggle with eating disorders.”

Options Wellbeing Trust is working with tastelife, a supportive and educational charity that informs about eating disorders, to deliver the course in Southampton.

Attendees are invited to come along for free, there is no barrier to access for this course. However, those who can make a £40 suggested donation to the charity to cover all eight sessions are asked to do so.

The course uses interactive and motivational methods to explain how people can make changes in small steps towards health and wholeness.

The sessions cover: living to eat or eating to live, self-image and addiction, emotions and mind matters. They also include resources and self-awareness exercises to do at home.

To get in touch, contact support@optionswellbeing.co.uk or tel 023 8063 0219.