The foundation has donated 150,000 kroner to The Association for Eating Disorders and Self-Harm, and the money will be used for family programs for children and young people aged 12-18 who show signs of an eating disorder.

– This is an early intervention, where the goal is both to prevent the eating disorder from becoming treatment-requiring in psychiatry and also to effectively redirect in cases where treatment is needed in the public sector, says the association's director, Laila Walther.

Focus on families and early intervention

The initiative is based on the English method FREED (First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders), which is offered to young people over 16 years old. The method is now being adapted for children and young people under 12 years old, where the programs are designed according to each family's needs. The programs include, among other things, conversations with parents, the child, any siblings, and group therapy.

The need for this initiative is increasing, as more children and young people are affected by eating disorders. According to Laila Walther, 20 percent of children and young people aged 11-15 show signs of eating disorders, and unfortunately, it seems that the trend is still rising.

– This development is due to distress in the form of negative self-esteem, disturbed body perception, loneliness, and similar issues, she explains.

Experiences should inspire municipalities

An eating disorder often comes to dominate the life of the affected person, which can have serious consequences. It can impact education, jobs, friendships, and leisure activities. At the same time, eating disorders are the mental illness with the highest mortality rate.

With the family programs, the long-term goal is for the whole family to experience greater well-being. It is also the ambition that the child gains the capacity to engage in communities and avoids sick leave that may require parents to take leave to care for a seriously ill child.

Although the project initially includes 140 family programs, the ambition is to spread the experiences to municipalities.

– Our wish with this project is to inspire municipalities and create an easily accessible offer that can help even more, says Laila Walther.

According to The Association for Eating Disorders and Self-Harm, up to 100,000 people in Denmark live with an eating disorder. Therefore, early intervention is an important piece in the work to prevent and reduce the serious consequences of eating disorders.

In addition to the donation from Fonden Sol og Strand, Ebbefos Fonden and Ole Kirk’s Fond have supported the project.