A Poem of Hope: How One Young Person’s Words Capture the Power of our Trust's Eating Disorders Service

As National Eating Disorders Awareness Week begins, stories of resilience and recovery take centre stage. Among them, a moving poem written by a young person for their practitioner stands out—not just for its heartfelt words, but for the message it carries about hope, healing, and the vital role of compassionate care.

The poem, written by a teenager who has been supported through their recovery journey, captures the emotions, struggles, and triumphs that come with battling an eating disorder. In it, they express gratitude for the unwavering support, patience, and understanding of their practitioner.

“Since I walked in that room

I knew it would be you

Who would help me through

The hell I knew”

These words reflect the experiences of countless young people who turn to the NHS for support in their darkest moments. Eating disorders, which include conditions such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder, affect approximately 1.25 million people in the UK. For young individuals and their families, navigating these illnesses can be overwhelming, but with the right care and guidance, recovery is possible.

The Power of Specialist Support

Our Trust’s eating disorder service that supported the young person is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for children, young people, and their families. With a multidisciplinary team—including psychologists, dietitians, therapists, and nurses - the service takes a holistic approach, ensuring both physical and emotional well-being are addressed.

Family-based treatment (FBT) plays a crucial role in the recovery process, recognising that eating disorders don’t just impact the individual, but their entire support system. Parents and caregivers are empowered with the knowledge and skills to help their loved ones reclaim their health and strength.

Voices of Change: How Lived Experience Shapes Care

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week takes place from February 24 to March 3, and is an opportunity to amplify the voices of those affected. This poem serves as a touching reminder of the profound impact that our practitioners have on young people’s lives. The young writer’s journey from darkness to hope embodies the very essence of why these services exist: to provide life-saving support, encouragement, and the belief that recovery is within reach.

As the poem concludes:

“And now we part ways

But only because of the many days

You fought for me

And I sought to be free”

During this week of awareness and advocacy, it is vital to recognise and support the essential work of our Trust’s eating disorder services. Their dedication not only transforms lives but also inspires hope—one young person, and one family at a time.