Press Information

8th September 2011

Beat to guide and support 6000 young people affected by an eating disorder

Beat – the UK's leading eating disorder charity and the largest of its kind in the world has been successful in raising funds to set up the Beat Young Futures programme.

Healthcare provider, Simplyhealth – sponsors of Channel 4's "The Secret Millionaire" has granted £51,000 to Beat towards its innovative programme supporting young people affected by eating disorders to return to education, re-engage with employment and re-connect with their lives.

The programme will provide mentors, who themselves have had direct experience of eating disorders, to support young people who are leaving treatment services and help them sustain their recovery; develop their skills to boost their self confidence and provide training to help them seek new job opportunities. Some will join local youth parliaments and others patient experience panels.

Speaking today during a personal visit to Beat's headquarters in Norwich to hand over a cheque, Richard Harris, Non Executive Director at Simplyhealth said: "We are very pleased to offer Beat our support. We hope that this forward thinking programme will help those affected by eating disorders to start on their journey towards recovery. We look forward to seeing how the programme has helped individuals to progress towards better health, improved confidence and a brighter future."

Accepting the cheque was Beat's Chief Executive Susan Ringwood who said: "We are absolutely delighted to have the support of Simplyhealth. The Beat Young Futures programme has been designed to help young people get back on track with their lives so that they can achieve their goals, reach their potential and beat their eating disorder. All too often with these devastating psychiatric illnesses people's lives are severely affected through missing out on education and struggling to find employment with no qualifications. At the end of the project we aim to have directly helped around 6000 youngsters learn new skills and have opportunities to achieve and shine"

Ends

Further information: Mary George, Press Officer, Beat 0300 123 7061 e-m: media@b-eat.co.uk

Beat, 103 Prince of Wales Road, Norwich NR1 1DW www.b-eat.co.uk

Notes to editors:-

1.6 million people in the UK are affected by an eating disorder.

Beat is the leading eating disorders charity in the UK and last year had direct contact with 250,000 people. In its 21st year the organisation campaigns to raise awareness, influence decision takers and offers information and support to those affected.

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness – up to 20% may die prematurely.

About Simplyhealth

We became Simplyhealth in 2009 after bringing together HSA, BCWA, LHF, HealthSure and Totally Active, our family of health companies have joined together over the last nine years to form Simplyhealth

We've been providing healthcare solutions for nearly 140 years, dedicated to serving our customers through a variety of cash plans, dental plans, private medical insurance, healthcare trusts and mobility and living aids

Simplyhealth is a trading name of Simplyhealth Access, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

As of December 2010, Simplyhealth had 1.2 million customers providing cover for some 2 million lives

Simplyhealth is committed to making a positive impact on its communities. Last year, we donated £1.6 million to health related charities and causes

For further information:

www.simplyhealth.co.uk/media-centre

Caroline Lakeman, Public Relations Manager 0844 579 2274/07795 294447

Lynsey Thorp, Public Relations Executive 0844 579 2266

Or pr@simplyhealth.co.uk

www.facebook.com/SimplyhealthUK