A new collection of creative art designed to illustrate how an eating disorder can be experienced from different perspectives has just opened at Liverpool’s Everyman Theatre.

The exhibition, which marks Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW) (24 February to 2 March 2025), contains art produced by service users of Mersey Care’s Eating Disorder Service and can be visited between 25 and 28 February 2025, between 11am and 3pm. 

In addition, Mersey Care is also planning a series of drop-in sessions planned for students and staff at universities in Liverpool. There will also be a stand in the reception of Whiston Hospital in Prescot on 24 February and 28 February 2025, between 11am and 3pm to highlight an issue which around 1.25 million adults live with every day in the UK.

Hannah Gordon, a clinical psychologist with the service, said:- “Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions, but it’s possible to make a full recovery, no matter what the duration. The earlier someone can access support for their eating disorder, the better chance they have of making a full recovery. Eating disorders can significantly affect your physical health, so it’s essential that your GP completes physical health monitoring which may include regular blood and blood pressure tests.”

Mersey Care’s Eating Disorder Service, which is delivered across Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and St Helens, provides assessment and support for adults experiencing difficulties with their eating behaviour and body image.

They see a wide variety of eating disorder presentations and don’t have any inclusion/exclusion criteria based on weight. The teams are made up of clinicians with specialist knowledge and skills to assess and support those who have an eating disorder and more information about the service can be found on Mersey Care’s website.

Anyone can be affected by an eating disorder - any age, background, gender and ethnicity, at any time in their life. Eating disorders can affect people in different ways - they might restrict their food or have an intense fear of gaining weight or may feel out of control around food, leading them to binge eat.

Symptoms of an eating disorder can also be varied and can include avoiding eating in public, food preoccupation and obsession (to the point where it stops you focusing on other activities) and struggling to concentrate. Physical symptoms of an eating disorder can include dizziness, hair loss, feeling tired and chest pains.

Eating disorders can have a profound impact on family and relationships of those around the individual with the eating disorder. If your loved one or friend is struggling with an eating disorder, you can also visit Beat for more information.