Galway march demands urgent reform for Eating Disorder Treatment in Ireland

This week was internationally recognised as Eating Disorder Awareness Week, with charities and activists alike fighting for support for those affected by eating disorders.

On Saturday, a march took place in Galway City Centre to demand better care for those receiving eating disorder treatment.

The march was organised in part by Amy Hanley, founder of Mind Everybody, an organisation and blog dedicated to fighting for eating disorder treatment reform, said that the Irish system is “very disjointed”.

“Many families end up having to seek private help at their own expense, ask the HSE to fund private care, or seek treatment abroad. Sufferers of eating disorders are treated in acute hospitals for the physical problems associated with eating disorders, but in acute hospitals no mental health support is provided.”

She added, “It is always said that early intervention in eating disorder care is crucial, and that the best treatment is in a community setting, but because of long wait lists, a lack of funding, and lack of fully staffed CAMHS [Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service] teams, early intervention and access to the appropriate professionals is quite difficult, if not sometimes impossible.”

Attendees were asked to “wear all black to highlight the gravity of the situation”. The event page added that they “will have purple ribbons for people to wear at the protest to represent eating disorder recovery”.

Ms Hanley explained the intention behind the march, saying, “Our goal was to bring attention to the fact that eating disorder services are severely lacking in the entire country … We want to get the government’s support in funding and staffing specialist teams so people can receive proper early interventions and care.”

A focus on recovery

BodyWhys, the Eating Disorder Association of Ireland, announced that the 2024 theme was ‘Eating Disorder Recovery and Beyond: Respecting individuality and identity’.

They elaborated on the concept, saying, “We recognise that what it means to recover is unique to each person. A person-centred approach is crucial to validate and recognise these individual experiences and to ensure that each person feels heard and supported, every step of the way.”

The association hosted and facilitated many events including seminars, marches and lectures to help educate people and raise awareness on the impact of eating disorders.

A 2022 study by the HSE’s National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders found that there was a 25 per cent increase in eating disorder related referrals when compared to the year prior.

Demand for reform

Ms Hanley organised a Change.org petition demanding reform, asking the HSE for changes including “specialised facilities specifically for eating disorder sufferers, including medical and mental health services”, “funding to increase the number of staff and beds, and funding that cannot be reallocated”, and “accurate statistics need to be gathered to get a better overall picture of how many people are suffering with eating disorders, and what resources are actually needed”.

The petition specifically names Stephen Donnolly, Minister of Health, and Mary Butler, Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, calling on the TDs to act on this issue.

Deputy Donnolly and Deputy Butler have been contacted for comment.

Support for those that may be struggling with eating disorders can be found at the BodyWhys website.