Somerset service launches FREED!

The Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Eating Disorders Service for Adults (EDSA) went live with their FREED pathway on 1st July 2020. With the launch taking place during lockdown, some of the team got together via video, from their homes or socially distanced office environments, to celebrate the launch of FREED for adults across Somerset.

The team wore shades of blue or white in line with the FREED logo, donned smiles, and had the FREED letters and logos dotted around, all ready for a screenshot to mark the launch. The team also took the time to talk together about the processes they have been through in the lead-up to FREED, and how they were feeling about going live with the pathway. There was a strong sense of passion and excitement about getting people onto the pathway, and in being able to offer early support and intervention.

"We’re excited to be launching FREED and hope that with this new approach, alongside other changes, anyone in Somerset who is experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder will now be able to access a rapid, evidence-based intervention as early in their journey as possible."

Dr Dominic Hiles, Principal Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead for Eating Disorders (Adults)

The FREED pathway comes at a time of several other changes for the EDSA. In line with the wider transformation of mental health services across Somerset, the service is now available to patients referred directly from primary care services. This is an important change which should help facilitate more people being referred to the service, and in a timely manner, in line with some of the aims of FREED. The service is also working in partnership with the Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorder Association (SWEDA) to offer a pathway for people who are showing early signs of an eating disorder, but who would not yet attract a diagnosis of an eating disorder. A representative from SWEDA was also present at the FREED launch.

The FREED pathway within the EDSA will be available to adults aged 18-25. More information about the Somerset EDSA can be found at https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/eating-disorders-adults/

Somerset service launches FREED!

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