'At The Table': Embracing ethnic diversity in accessing eating disorder treatment
Dr Mazella Fuller
Clinical Associate on staff at the Counseling and Psychological Services of Duke University
Dr Charlynn Small
Assistant Director for Health Promotions at the University of Richmond’s Counselling and Psychological Services in Virginia
Valentina Cardi
TBC
Victoria Adeniji-West
TBC
If you want to show me that your service is for me, you’ve got to make me a space at the table with my name on it” (Expert by Minority ED Experience)
We know that ED has an image problem. It has gotten itself a reputation as a White middle/upper class phenomenon. But that is unsurprising given it’s conceptualisation from a Eurocentric biased framework. This framework has informed the research literature, clinical training and interventions and has shaped the very structure of the organisational platforms from which clinicians deliver services.
For years this has created gaps in service delivery for ethnic minorities, largely labelled as ‘hard to reach’ or simply not affected by Eating Disorders ‘in the same way. However, recent NHS data tells a different story, with a sharp rise in the number ED admissions in Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) populations, highlighting probable failings of services at critical stages. It’s a opportune time to do more that recognise the problem. People are ‘hungry’ for change and it’s high time we made a space ‘at the table’.
Join us for our virtual round table, as we discuss the issues and consider how to move forward in making our service truly inclusive and accessible and relatable to all.