Warwick student organises event for Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Heather Milstead, a second-year History student, is hosting a Night of Song and Poetry on the 27th February at Bedford Street Bar in Leamington, as a fundraiser for Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity.

The event is to be held on the first night of Eating Disorder Awareness Week, an annual and international awareness and fundraising week. This year, the week will run from 27 February to 5 March.

It is estimated that 1 in 85 people in the UK are affected by an eating disorder. These illnesses have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric condition.

Beat offer support, help and advice to those suffering from eating disorders, their family and friends. The charity also provides a first point of contact for people looking to access treatment. Their services include helplines, message boards and text services, which are all funded by supporters.

Heather has planned a range of events throughout Eating Disorder Awareness Week, including her poetry and music event, and collecting money on campus.

Heather commented: “I’m feeling slightly nervous about the music event and really hope that lots of people turn up to support this wonderful charity!” Heather also highlighted that due to her own personal experiences, Beat is particularly important to her.

Beat’s Community Fundraising Officer Andrea Auburn said: “We are so delighted that Heather is organising this music event to fundraise for Beat and raise awareness of eating disorders, which are serious mental illnesses. Heather’s hard work will help Beat to change the lives of more people affected by eating disorders.”

The event is ticketed, and is open to both students and the public. You can donate or buy tickets for the fundraiser here.