5. 90-second Statements

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:41 pm on 1 March 2023.

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Photo of Sarah Murphy Sarah Murphy Labour 3:41, 1 March 2023

Diolch, Llywydd. This Monday marks the beginning of Eating Disorder Awareness Week, a time to emphasise that eating disorders are not all about food itself, but about feelings. The theme this year is recognising and raising awareness that men get eating disorders too, because Beat Eating disorders charity did a survey, finding that one in three had never accessed treatment and one in five had never spoken about their struggles. So I would ask all of my colleagues and people watching to please visit Beat's website to read their stories and help men get help too. The cross-party group for eating disorders will be re-established this week to address this and many other issues. I want to thank Bethan Sayed, who served as the previous chair, as well as Jo Whitfield and Amelia Holt, from Beat Eating disorders who have been excellent secretariats.

Finally, I want to thank everyone who has reached out since I spoke in the Senedd about my own lived experience with an eating disorder, whether that's to offer support or to share their own story, including Georgia Taylor from Bridgend, who is working with me now to share our experiences, so that others can understand and feel less alone. An eating disorder is never the fault of the person experiencing it, and anyone who has an eating disorder deserves fast compassionate support to help them get better, because we can get better. Diolch.