On Tuesday this week (21st October), Isle of Wight West Labour MP, Richard Quigley, met with Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock, leading eating disorder charity BEAT, and campaigner Hope Virgo to discuss the urgent need for increased government funding into eating disorder research.
The meeting followed Richard’s earlier question in Parliament on 22nd July, where he highlighted the disparity between the scale of eating disorders and the limited funding dedicated to understanding and treating them.
Highlighting the scale of the issue
During that session, Richard said,
“Eating disorders cost the UK an estimated £9 billion each year, yet research into these serious conditions receives just 1 per cent of all mental health research funding.
“That is despite eating disorders affecting around 9 per cent of people with mental health conditions.”
At the meeting, he called for targeted investment to improve early intervention, treatment outcomes, and long-term recovery.
Support for those affected
Richard praised the work of BEAT and Hope Virgo for their continued efforts to raise awareness and push for meaningful policy change.
He said,
“We cannot continue to overlook eating disorders in our mental health strategy.
“The human and economic cost is too great.
“I will keep pressing the Government to ensure funding reflects the scale and seriousness of these conditions.”
Campaign for fairer funding
The discussion formed part of Richard’s ongoing campaign to improve support for people affected by eating disorders and to ensure mental health funding is distributed fairly and effectively.
Eating disorder campaigner Hope Virgo added,
“Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that deserve proper recognition and action. Over the last few years the situation for those affected has got worse.
“The harrowing reality right now is people are unable to get treatment, people are being labelled as untreatable and people are dying.
“It’s brilliant working with Richard on the APPG to help transform services.”
Focus on Island patients
Richard has pledged to continue his work on improving access to eating disorder treatment, particularly for patients on the Isle of Wight, who often face greater challenges in accessing care due to many inpatient facilities being based on the mainland.
