The week has arrived/ Mae'r wythnos wedi cyrraedd!

This week is Eating Disorders Awareness Week. No doubt there will be events World over to mark the week, and we will be doing our bit in Wales also. On Wednesday I have organised to display the top 20 pictures from the True Beauty competition at the Senedd, and at 6pm we will hold a reception at the Senedd, where the winners will be announced, and where Edwina Hart the Health Minister will speak alongside Nigel Owens the International Rugby Referee. I'm really looking forward to it, and I hope it will be a successful event.

I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has helped make the cross party group on eating disorders a success over the year that we have been in existence. I certainly believe that it has made a difference in campaigning for more provision for the treatment of eating disorders, and for a national strategy to be implemented. We know that to be true because Edwina Hart AM announced financial investment for community provision last year, and a consultation on a framework came to an end on January the 30th 2009. With the establishment of B-eat Cymru this year, the services and support for those with eating disorders and their carers can only progress.

It is of course still vitally important that the cross party group continues the campaign despite these achievements, as many people are still falling out of the loop, are still failing to receive the treatment they need, and are not being supported as sufferers and carers. When I wrote the cross party group's response to the consultation on a National framework, I was brought to tears by some of the stories behind the illnesses of loved ones who have died as a result of an eating disorder; those who still struggle to get treatment, and carers who feel that they have nowhere to go. This cannot be right, and must be changed, and I am determined that the cross party group, in working with the All Wales Special Interest Group on Eating Disorders and B-eat Cymru amongst other groups can change this situation for the better.

Setting up the cross party group is the most rewarding thing that I have done so far as an AM, as it has been so inspiring getting people involved, and enocouraging people to work for a national strategy and for funding for eating disorders in Wales. It provides a central point for discussion for AMs and other interest groups alike, and I hope that we will continue the hard work in years to come with your vital input.

Bethan Jenkins AM
Chair Cross party Group on Eating Disorders