Children and young people’s eating disorder services across Kent and Medway are celebrating after winning two awards at the recent Healthwatch Awards, recognising innovation, inclusion and meaningful patient involvement.

The awards highlight the work of the AAEDS ARFID Pathway and the Voices in Action: Participation Project 2024–2025, both of which are transforming how eating disorder support is designed and delivered.

Transforming support for ARFID

The AAEDS ARFID Pathway was established in March 2024 to provide specialist assessment, diagnosis and treatment for children and young people experiencing Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). The pathway expanded in September 2025 to accept adult referrals, reflecting growing need.

ARFID is a relatively new diagnosis, formally recognised in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. From the outset, the team understood that the pathway needed to be responsive, particularly given the high number of referrals involving neurodivergent individuals.

In the first 18 months:

• 612 referrals were received
• 338 assessments were offered
• 115 patients were accepted for treatment
• 62% of referrals involved a diagnosis of, or assessment pathway for, autism spectrum condition (ASC)

The team has worked closely with families, local agencies, SEN parent forums and the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) to shape the pathway. Feedback from patients and carers has directly led to:

• Adapted and more accessible therapy resources
• Visual pre-assessment materials including clinic photos and clinician introductions
• Greater flexibility, including home appointments where possible
• Stronger joint working with community dietetics and other services
• Development of sensory needs care plans aligned to PEACE pathway protocols

Patient feedback consistently highlights improved understanding of ARFID, reduced anxiety around eating, increased confidence, and meaningful behavioural change.

The award recognises the dedication of the entire ARFID team in developing an inclusive, innovative and responsive service for a group whose needs have historically been poorly understood.

Elevating lived experience through Voices in Action

The second award recognises Voices in Action: Participation Project 2024–2025, a powerful example of meaningful co-production in practice.

Eating disorders remain widely misunderstood, often shaped by stereotypes that they primarily affect white, middle-class young women. During Eating Disorder Awareness Week, the project led a myth-busting social media campaign co-developed by staff and patients. The campaign broadened public understanding, challenged harmful narratives and amplified diverse lived experiences.

Participation has extended far beyond communications activity. Staff and patients co-delivered training sessions on the importance of participation, combining clinical expertise with lived experience. The sessions were met with overwhelmingly positive feedback, creating powerful shared learning environments and reinforcing that high-quality care must be shaped by those who use services.

The project has also:

• Contributed to teaching master’s and clinical psychology doctorate students
• Advised the Integrated Care Partnership to ensure service-user insight informs system planning
• Reviewed resources for accessibility
• Improved how outcome measures are explained and used

One patient involved in the project shared:

“My lifestyle with an eating disorder has been lonely and shaming. To now use the story of my overcoming these feelings to help others like me, makes me feel my life can be worthwhile… I can be proud of the strengths I have developed both for my future self and for the difference they can make to the lives of others.”

Jodie Bing, Assistant Director, Kent Specialist and Support Services, said, “It is with immense pride that the All-Age Eating Disorder Service in Kent and Medway was celebrated in not one, but two categories at the recent Healthwatch Awards. These accolades recognise our teams’ unwavering commitment to meaningful patient participation and our innovative work developing the AFRID pathway—both of which continue to strengthen the quality, accessibility, and impact of support we provide across our communities.”

Voices in Action will continue into 2025–2026, with further initiatives underway including the development of a podcast focused on hope, belonging and recovery.

A shared commitment to inclusion and collaboration

These awards recognise more than individual projects, they reflect a culture shift towards inclusive, responsive and co-produced care.

By combining clinical expertise, innovation and authentic lived-experience involvement, Kent and Medway children and young people’s eating disorder services are improving access, addressing inequalities and ensuring that every voice truly matters.