Media Centre

Beat provides a range of services to members of the media.

We can comment on breaking news, interviews, case studies and information on our latest news and campaigns.  Beat supports people across the eating disorder spectrum - from anorexia through to obesity.

We also provide tips on how to report on eating disorders.

Beat has drawn up a set of Media Guidelines to encourage more of the balanced and responsible reporting that we are beginning to see nowadays. Some parts of the media still rely on sensationalist images which others can find triggering and hindering recovery.

To access a copy of the Beat Media Guidelines click here

Shift, a government body set up to tackle stigma and discrimination in mental health, produces a handbook for journalists on how to cover mental health sensitively and responsibly.

If you wish to join our mailing list for press releases, please use the details below

Contact us

For comment, interviews, case studies or information on our latest news and campaigns, journalists should contact the Beat media team on media@b-eat.co.uk or phone Tel: 0300 123 7061

Mob: 07804 589404 (out of hours)

Spokespeople

Beat has several members of staff available 24hours a day for comment

Please note that these contact details are for media enquiries only.

Mob: 07804 589404 (out of hours)

For any other enquiries please contact the office on 0300 123 3355 and for the Helpline call 0845 634 1414.

Press releases

The latest press releases from Beat. See all press releases here

Statistics and case studies

Beat regularly works with journalists providing comments, case studies and spokespeople on a variety of topics surrounding eating disorders, body image and low self esteem.

Statistics and more information on eating disorders can be found here 

If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please contact the Beat press office on 0300 123 7061 or media@b-eat.co.uk

Get Involved

Has something you’ve seen or heard upset you?

If you have seen or heard something in the media recently that has reinforced the stigma and prejudice that surrounds eating disorders, body image or low self esteem or has portrayed the issues in an inappropriate way then don’t be afraid to complain and make your voice heard. We would also like to hear from you.

Making a media complaint

If you have seen something in a newspaper or magazine that you would like to complain about you can either write to the editor, the letters editor or the journalist. If you don’t receive a reply within one week or you are not happy with their answer then you can contact the Press Complaints Commission (PCC). The PCC is an independent organisation that deals with complaints from members of the public about the contents of newspapers and magazines.

You can contact them at:

Press Complaints Commission

Halton House
20/23 Holborn
London
EC1N 2JD

Helpline: 0845 600 2757

Email: complaints@pcc.org.uk

Website: www.pcc.org.uk

Making a complaint about broadcast media

If you have seen something on television or heard something on the radio that you would like to complain about you can contact Ofcom with your complaint. If the programme was on BBC TV or radio then you need to go directly to the BBC (details below)

Ofcom

Riverside House
2a Southwark Bridge Road
London
SE1 9HA

Tel: 020 7981 3040
Website: www.ofcom.org.uk

BBC Complaints

PO Box 1922
Darlington
DL3 0UR

Tel:  08700 100 222
Website: www.bbc.co.uk/complaints

Share your story

The most powerful voice in raising awareness is that of those affected – whether it be the individual themselves, their partner, family or friends. By sharing your experiences you can really help other people in similar situations and the personal element can often mean the difference between a story being run or not.

The Beat press office gets calls every day from journalists wanting to talk to people who’ve been affected by an eating disorder. If you would like to be one of these people – a Beat Media Contact – please complete this questionnaire

Beat would never divulge your details to anyone without your permission. All requests are sent to media contacts via Beat and it is therefore entirely up to the individual whether they wish to take part.

We also post media requests on the website  

What do media volunteers do?

Our media contacts have helped with a considerable amount of media work – from appearing on the BBC Breakfast sofa to appearing in national and regional newspapers or being interviewed by radio stations. Your story can inspire others to realise that eating disorders can be beaten.