REDCAN backs recommendations by the Independent review into mental health conditions that the community and voluntary sector must be key partners in addressing the rise in mental health problems, especially prevention and early intervention services.

The report calls eating disorders "a major public health concern" in England. It outlines a significant rise in eating disorder prevalence, especially in young adults. This is against an overall backdrop of mental distress and common mental health conditions increasing "substantially, particularly among children and young people."

With ten broad recommendations for change, a key theme is the vital role of voluntary and community specialist providers as part of the solution. The review says the voluntary sector is well placed to provide early intervention and prevention support to avoid NHS treatment, and particularly reaches underserved communities.

REDCAN Development Director Rowan Miller said: "The report is a call to action for government and local commissioners. If someone meets the threshold for NHS eating disorder treatment, they are usually already very unwell. Early intervention is vital."

"But with the UK's high cost of living, most can't begin to afford private eating disorder therapy. People need the option of rapid, quality support for eating disorders wherever they live, such as the free and low cost services that specialist REDCAN charities provide locally. Then as soon as an eating disorder shows up, people can start to get better."

"And across the country, people from a wide range of backgrounds should be getting the eating disorder support and treatment they need. Where REDCAN members work, they have strong local relationships and reach underserved groups and communities."

The Fonagy report authors also flag that autism and ADHD have a strong relationship of co-occurrence with eating disorders. And they point out how eating disorders and other mental health conditions can go hand in hand: each needing specific support and treatment rather than just a focus on one diagnosis.