Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, has renewed its partnership with global online fashion retailer, ASOS with an expanded remit that includes targeted support for men suffering from eating disorders.
ASOS has been an active partner of Beat for the past five years and the new funding will allow the charity to extend the opening hours of its national helpline and also provide a new online one-toone support service, designed to appeal to men, who may feel less inclined to use a helpline. This service will offer tailored practical help and emotional support.
In addition, Beat will provide ASOS with information and advice about eating disorders and the importance of mental health and a positive body image. This will arm the retailer with best practice knowledge to support its customers and employees.
ASOS employees will also be given the opportunity to volunteer their skills to the charity, including mentoring Beat’s Young Ambassadors, helping facilitate online support groups and taking part in research and campaigning.
Beat CEO, Andrew Radford said: “We know that eating disorders affect both men and women and the earlier sufferers access our support, the better their chances of a full recovery are. By 2021 we intend to be supporting ten times as many people as we are today and ASOS’s partnership is crucial to helping us achieve this goal.”
ASOS’ Director of Corporate Responsibility, Louise McCabe added, “At ASOS, we’re committed to promoting a healthy, positive body image to our customers and colleagues so it makes total sense for us to continue supporting Beat and its invaluable work.”
Former anorexia sufferer, Dave Chawner, 24, from London commented: “This is great news. More people than ever are online, and the anonymity of the internet can be used to make men feel more comfortable getting help. It's certainly less scary than picking up the phone.”