Eating Disorders – School Nurses can help you too

Young people can reach out to school nurses for a variety of support – including Eating Disorders.

Eating Disorders  – School Nurses can help you too

According to BEAT, an eating disorder charity, “students are nine times more likely to speak to a teacher than a parent about an eating disorder.”

Every state secondary school in Oxfordshire has an Oxford Health school nurse and with pupils returning to school after several months of home school, services will resume as normal.

During Eating Disorder Awareness Week (March 1 -7), Oxford Health’s school nurses are sending out a message to pupils that they are there for you to talk to if you are worried about either your mental and/or physical health and wellbeing. It is important to talk to someone about your worries, no matter how small or silly you think they are.

If you are struggling, please don’t wait because the sooner you tell someone, the easier it can be to resolve your worries and get support.

If you are a young person, you can access the school nurse confidentially via email, text or telling your teacher who can refer you – then you can meet with them for a 1-1 chat. The school nurses are there to help you in school, a familiar and friendly face when you might need it most.

Nikki Bagshaw, one of Oxford Health’s school nurses, saidSharing your problems with someone else can make you feel better and what you tell the school nurse will be kept confidential. If there are concerns for your safety, they may have to tell your teacher or the people who care about you. But the school nurse will always tell you before they do this.”

Our school nurses will encourage you to speak to your loved ones, and they can even support you in speaking to those that care about you if you feel anxious.

Once you have spoken to the school nurse, they can signpost you to specialist services best suited for your needs and even support the referral process.

Both parents and young people can access the Oxford Health school nurses Facebook page, where you will find a range of useful resources. Alternatively you can visit the Oxford Health CAMHS website here or the find resources for eating disorders on the BEAT website.

If you need the contact details for your school nurse, please visit your school website where you will find further details, or the Oxford Health school nurse website here.

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Published: 5 March 2021