Messages of support

Every month, beat's key services support thousands of people. Our telephone helplines offer information, support and - just as importantly - a listening ear to anyone affected by an eating disorder in the UK.

As part of Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2009, beat thanked the helpline staff for the difference they make - particularly those who generously volunteer their time to help others beat their eating disorder. We invited our supporters to send a message of support to our helpline staff.

Here are some of their messages:

"Thank you so much for listening and understanding when noone else did x"
Ruth

"Thank u for being there for me, for supporting me through the last 18 months of my daughters ed COULD NOT HAVE SUPPORTED HER WITHOUT YOU SUPPORTING ME. Bless you all."
Anna

"You pushed me forward and gave me the courage I needed to reach out and ask for help. Thank you so much."
Emma

"Thank you so much for your selfless actions, for listening whenno one else will. It can truly change lives, giving people the strength to fight on, or to search for help. It is worth more than words can say."
Rob

"I always find the helpline positive, informative and sympathetic- I always end up feeling better than before I called."
Janet

"Thank you so so much for listening and giving me the support i needed in a moment of desperation.  You gave my some great information about how to get help and i am now (all be it slowly) on my way to recovery."
Natalie

"Thank you for the amazing work you do and for all the support you have given me and my family over the years =) x"
Hannah

"Thank you - you will probably never know exactly how much difference you have made to many sufferers and carers but beat couldn't do the work they do without you."
Gill

"When I found out my daughter had anorexia, I made 3 phone calls - the GP, her school and BEAT helpline.  In the interim period waiting for an appointment with a specialist unit, BEAT were my life-line offering practical advice, understanding and support.  Thank you." 
Sarah

"Thanks you so much for when youve helped me through feeling down ,i could never of pulled thorugh without the support of others , you was fantastic and you do a fab job (:"

Ellie-Louise

"You saved my life - Enough said!"
Jess

"Well done , for being there, i wish i had known before it became too late for my daughter. There is something very very special about those who give their time without monetary payment."
Pauline

"thank you for helping to keep me moderately sane whilst trying to support my daughter last year-your help was great"
Carol

"Thank you for the support that you have given me over the past few years. The helpline and the website are really good and even when in the middle of a crisis when I'm really upset, your volunteers still know how to talk to me and calm me down. I have come so far in terms of recovery and much of that is attributed to having the support of b-eat when I feel I need the help. xx"
Beth

"Thank you beat for not just hearing me but for listening to me and helping me the best way you could, I always ended up feeling better after I had called you beat, thank you so much. xxxx"
Samira

"Eight year ago you provided my parents with a list of hospitals that would treat severe cases on section when I was given hours to live and my own doctors had no idea where to turn. I spent eighteen months in hospital, but today I am a finalist at university and am very much alive. Thank-you for helping to save my life."
Donna