Press Information

5 October 2011

A fistful of awards?

Beat – the UK's leading eating disorder charity and the largest of its kind in the world has been shortlisted in 3 separate categories in the 2011 Children & Young People Now Awards. These Awards have become the gold standard for everyone working with children, young people and families, offering an opportunity to raise the profile of projects and initiatives to funders and the general public.

The judging panel which included the Deputy Children's Commissioner for England and the Chief Executive of the National Youth Agency had over 400 entries to shortlist and Beat was chosen for 3 different categories:-

The Health and Wellbeing Award

My Personal Best, Beat

The charity's website 'My Personal Best' (www.mypersonalbest.org.uk) is co-ordinated by Beat and managed by a steering group of young volunteers.

Leila Lahfa, Project Officer, said: "The website is for all young people, regardless of whether they have a mental health issue. Our young people have worked hard to create a website that will help and support others in a safe, moderated environment and we commend them for all they have done on the project so far."

The Young Person's Achievement Award

Hannah Abdullah, Beat volunteer

Hannah was Beat's first ever Young Ambassador, pioneering the charity's successful Ambassador Scheme. Over the years Hannah has spoken publicly both on UK and international platforms inspiring and encouraging others to beat their eating disorder.  She said: “It's an incredible honour to have been nominated for the youth achievement award, alongside so many amazing projects and inspiring people.”

The Advice and Guidance Award

Recovery Club, Beat

Beat's Recovery Club service offers online peer support to young people with eating disorders through a monthly facilitated club enabling them to benefit from the support of their peers and to feel comfortable discussing their concerns and fears about treatment and the recovery process.

Beat Chief Executive Susan Ringwood said: "We are absolutely delighted. We have a great track record of awards but this is the first time we've been shortlisted three times in such prestigious company. It is a wonderful testament to the work that we do with and for young people to beat their eating disorders".

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London in November.

Notes to editors:-

Children & Young People Now Awards recognise initiatives from the public, private and voluntary sector that work with children and young people from birth to adolescence as well as their families. Initiatives might be aimed at all children and families within a community or targeted at those who are the most vulnerable or disadvantaged. Crucially, entrants must be able to provide evidence that what they have done has had a positive impact on people's lives.

Beat is the UK's largest campaigning eating disorder organisation offering information and support through its helplines, websites, messageboards and training programmes.

For more information go to www.b-eat.co.uk.

Beat Press Office: 0300 123 7061 media@b-eat.co.uk

Beat, Wensum House, 103 Prince of Wales Road, Norwich NR1 1DW