This week marks Eating Disorders Awareness Week, and this year’s theme is Community.

After speaking with former service users from our All Age Eating Disorders Service in Kent and Medway, one thing is clear: eating disorders do not discriminate, and no two experiences are the same.

These illnesses are complex, personal, and far more than “just” about food. Each person’s journey is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all story of illness or recovery.

Alice’s journey also reflects the power of community intervention. Shortly after her wedding, colleagues became concerned about her weight and wellbeing.

Their compassion led to an occupational health referral and, ultimately, support from the Eating Disorders Service.

Although difficult at the time, through individual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and group therapy, she began to understand her eating disorder, while connecting with others who truly understood what she was experiencing.

For Alice, recovery has been strengthened not only by professional support, but by those closest to her. Her family and friends took the time to learn about eating disorders, creating a network of understanding around her. They are often able to gently recognise early signs of relapse before she does, helping her stay well.

Now a mother, Alice says her baby drives her recovery forward. She explains:

‘For a long time, I thought I had to handle everything on my own. But recovery really began when I let people in. My family and friends learned about eating disorders so they could understand me, not judge me. They notice when I’m struggling before I do sometimes, and that makes me feel safe. Community, for me, is knowing I’m not fighting this battle alone anymore.’

Across the very different journeys we have shared this week, spanning decades, life stages and experiences, one message remains the same: recovery is not a solo effort.

Community can mean many things. It can be colleagues who notice something isn’t right. A therapist who helps rebuild a voice silenced by illness. A volunteer group that restores confidence. A family willing to learn and understand. A baby who becomes a powerful reason to stay well.

Eating disorders can be isolating illnesses. But as Alice shows us, healing happens in connection, in being seen, supported and understood.

Dr Chantelle McKenzie, Senior Clinical Psychologist, pictured above with Assistant Psychologists Sophie Minns and Jess White, shares: “Working with people with eating disorders is such a rewarding job and being able to share the stories of those we work with has been such an incredible privilege, we hope that these stories will help others reach out for support and realise that recovery is possible for all.”

This Eating Disorders Awareness Week, we celebrate the power of community and the courage it takes to reach out, to accept help, and to believe that life beyond an eating disorder is possible.

Read our previous shared stories here.