A NEW film which will “shine a light” on the battles people living with eating disorders face is being supported by one of the country’s leading charities.
SANE say they are proud to support A Day With An Eating Disorder which is being produced and co-written by author and counsellor Lynn Crilly.
The film, which will be released next year, comes as new figures show rising numbers of young people are being diagnosed with eating disorders.
In the past school year there were 10,606 children beginning treatment for an eating disorder, compared with 5,240 patients in 2016-17.
Waiting times for treatment are also rising, and 12 per cent have to wait more than three months for an appointment, compared with one percent three years ago, according to information disclosed by the House of Commons Library.
Film-maker Lynn, who is an ambassador for SANE, said the figures were deeply shocking and underlined the extra support young people need.
She said: “We hope the new film will shine a light on the battle which sufferers and their carers face on a daily basis.”
Praising the project, Joanna Christophi, COO of SANE said: “SANE are proud to support ‘A Day with an Eating Disorder’. Lynn is passionate about helping young people with mental illness from eating disorders to depression, including their families, as her work stems from personal experience with her own twin daughters. This coupled with extensive life experience both personally and professionally within the mental health space, gives her a multi-skilled approach to the support she gives which is also reflected in her books and films.
For several years, Lynn has been raising awareness of SANE’s activities and we are both committed to campaigning to improve services for those affected by mental ill-health, as well as their families and carers. SANE is proud to have Lynn as an ambassador.”
A Day In The Life With An Eating Disorder, will feature Lynn’s daughter Samantha, who has battled an eating disorder and still suffers with OCD.
A number of actors and actresses have also agreed to appear for free to raise awareness.
Among them is Susannah Page, the daughter of legendary singing, screen and comedy icon Joan Turner.
Susannah, who will play a woman battling an addiction to alcohol in the film, said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be a part of this very important film. I’ve been impressed and deeply inspired by the work Lynnand Samantha are doing in this area.
“I’ve learned a lot myself about how this condition impacts the sufferers and their families, and I am sure this will film will help many others who might be struggling and need support.”
The project is also being backed and supported by Debbie Arnold, the former Eastenders actress.
She said: “I’m delighted to be supporting this film as it is focusing on such an important set of issues. As the mum of two daughters I’m acutely aware of the struggles many people can have with mental ill health, anxiety and other related disorders.”
“It’s very important that this film is shining a light on them and I’m sure it will help lots and lots of people.”
