On Tuesday 21 October, Richard Quigley MP met with Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock, leading eating disorder charity BEAT, and campaigner Hope Virgo to discuss the urgent need for increased government funding into eating disorder research.
The meeting followed Richard’s question to the Minister in Parliament on 22 July, where he highlighted the stark disparity between the scale of eating disorders and the funding allocated to understanding and treating them. As he noted:
“Eating disorders cost the UK an estimated £9 billion each year, yet research into these serious conditions receives just 1% of all mental health research funding. That is despite eating disorders affecting around 9% of people with mental health conditions.”
During the meeting, Richard reiterated the need for targeted investment to improve early intervention, treatment outcomes, and long-term recovery. He also praised the work of BEAT and Hope Virgo in raising awareness and pushing for policy change.
Richard said:
“We cannot continue to overlook eating disorders in our mental health strategy. The human and economic cost is too great. I will keep pressing the Government to ensure funding reflects the scale and seriousness of these conditions.”
The meeting forms part of Richard’s ongoing campaign to improve support for people affected by eating disorders and to ensure mental health funding is allocated fairly and effectively.
Eating disorder campaigner Hope Virgo said:
‘Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that deserve proper recognition and action. Over the last few years the situation for those affected has got worse. The harrowing reality right now is people are unable to get treatment, people are being labelled as untreatable and people are dying. It’s brilliant working with Richard on the APPG to help transform services’
