A RECOVERY charity is hosting an event to tackle stigma and misunderstanding around eating disorders.

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness and sufferers often struggle to access help and support.

Recovery Connections, which is based in Middlesbrough, is working with eating disorders recovery organisation Wednesday's Child to host an online event on Thursday.

Jennifer Bryson, regional service manager at the charity, said: "We are delighted to be able to host this special event alongside Wednesday's Child as part of Eating Disorders Week.

"We have a number of residents and people who we support, who have been affected by this devastating illness in some way, and we're always keen to find further ways to give specialist support and knowledge."

Sarah Ledger, Wednesday's Child's North East lead, added: "Having experienced an eating disorder myself as an adult, I know first-hand how challenging it can be to access help, to understand your illness, and to communicate to others what you are going through.

"Wednesday's Child helps build a greater level of knowledge, whilst also providing those who suffer with some invaluable tools and techniques which help improve the feeling of hope, and accelerate recovery motivation."

She added: "This is the first such collaborative event we're holding in the North East, but we're looking forward to working more with Recovery Connections and hearing from schools, businesses or families in the region who would benefit from our important support work."

Eating disorder referrals and admissions have been on the rise throughout the pandemic, with many adults and young people experiencing the illness for the first time.

For more information about the event, email info@recoveryconnections.org.uk to access the link and password.

For further eating disorder help and support from Wednesday's Child, go to https://wednesdayschild.co.uk/ or email Sarah on sarah@wednesdayschild.co.uk