The charity:

‘Men Get Eating Disorders Too’ is a charitable organisation that seeks to raise awareness of eating disorders in men so men are able to recognise their symptoms and access support when they need it.

We provide essential information through our website including definitions, symptoms, the kind of treatments you would expect and links to support available to sufferers. In addition, we provide an online space for male sufferers to share their experiences and offer/receive peer support through our online forum and live chat sessions. Another part of our campaign is raising awareness of eating disorders by providing a platform for male sufferers and their carers to get their voices heard through the use of media and online.

To further improve the treatment men receive, we deliver training to professionals fields to help them gain a better understanding into male eating disorders and the challenges they face getting help which in turn means they can be better responsive to men’s needs by improving provision and encouraging better professional practice. We regularly attend conferences and other events to raise the profile of male eating disorders amongst the wider community.

Our awareness resources including poster and information booklet are distributed nationally to increase awareness of our campaign.

The issue:

Typically, eating disorders are considered to be conditions that are only suffered by females – this is far from the case. Eating disorders are indiscriminate and can affect anyone of any gender, age, social background, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc.

Due to the lack of research available it’s difficult to determine exactly how many men are suffering from eating disorders, especially as very few get diagnosed. In one study carried out by the Department of Health in 2000 it found that ten per cent of the 1.6 million people with eating disorders were male. The most recent statistics suggest that 25 per cent that showed signs of disordered eating are male according to the NHS Information Centre. By tackling the stigma only then can men recognise their symptoms and go onto get help.


Where your money will go:

At MGEDT we are committed to providing opportunities for male sufferers and carers to get their voices heard, with an aim to raise awareness and improve service provision.

» The use of digital and social media to engage with service users. They will do this by telling their stories and writing blogs.
» Raising awareness in the media, through speaking at conferences and events and national information campaigns.
» Assisting in the delivery of training to professionals to give them a greater understanding of the unique issues facing men with eating disorders.
» The provision of online peer support by helping to facilitate regular live chat sessions and participating in the forum.
» Running and development of MGEDT's Peer Support Service in Brighton, Hove and Sussex.

We are the only UK charity that addresses the specific needs of men with eating disorders and has a good standing in the mental health and men’s health communities as being the preferred resource for information about eating disorders in men. We believe our user-led approach makes us best placed to deal with this unique topic.

For more information about our work go to: http://mengetedstoo.co.uk/about-us/about-the-charity