Bridgend teen helping other young people with eating disorders turn life around

Georgia Taylor (19), from Bridgend, had to give up her studies at university due to the debilitating disorder that hospitalised her. 

As Action for Children marks Eating Disorders Awareness Week (27 Feb – 5 March), Georgia wanted to raise awareness of the condition and how sufferers can bounce back.

She said: “I could not return to university and needed something to give me purpose.  I decided to volunteer for an Action for Children team that focussed on improving the mental health and wellbeing of young people in South Wales schools. 

“My manager and the team were incredibly supportive and wrapped themselves around me.  I loved talking to young people about their mental health and flourished through my lived experience despite being so young.

“When a job came up in the team, I went for it with more hope than expectation so I was thrilled when I got it. It’s helped me so much working in a team that supports me so completely and I feel so passionate about helping other young people see a way through no matter how hopeless their situation may seem. 

“I have struggled for years with anorexia but I am now in a far better place and living proof things can always change.’

Caryl Dyer, South Wales Service Co-ordinator at Action for Children said: “When I first met Georgia, I knew we had a special young woman on our hands. 

“The whole team took to her straight away and admired the energy and passion she showed for the role from the start. 

“Helping other young people with their mental health is what drives her now and whatever happens, we will be with her every step of the way.”

(Lead image: Action for Children)