Blue and Pink Event to Raise Awareness for Eating Disorders

Workers in Jersey are being encouraged to wear pink and blue to help raise awareness and show support for individuals affected by eating disorders on the island.

The fundraising initiative, in its third year, benefits Jersey Eating Disorders Support, which provides regular group sessions and training for local organisations. Individuals and businesses are invited to make a donation and wear the charity’s colors on Friday, February 28, to mark the occasion.

Amy Dingle, the charity’s deputy chief executive, said, “This event helps raise awareness that we are here, and that the charity exists to support those who need it. Many people are suffering, and we want them to know they’re not alone.”

Support group meetings at the Pomme d'Or Hotel in St. Helier, held on the first and third Monday of each month, see around a dozen attendees, including those living with eating disorders and their supporters.

In addition to group sessions, the charity offers free one-on-one counseling and peer support for people impacted by eating disorders.

Dingle noted that the charity assists approximately 1,000 people each year and emphasised that eating disorders go beyond just anorexia and bulimia. “We’re now seeing more individuals facing a combination of eating issues, whether it’s under-eating or overeating,” she explained.

To encourage participation, the charity is offering prizes for the organization that raises the most funds and for the best team photo from the dress-up day.