Service overview
We support children and young people aged 8 to 18 with eating disorders. Our team is made up of doctors, nurses, therapists, psychologists, and dietitians. We work together to understand your needs and help you on your journey to feeling better.
We also help families and carers, and offer advice to schools, GPs, and social care teams.
Eating disorders can be serious, but they are treatable. Getting help early makes a big difference. Support might include one-to-one therapy, diet and nutrition advice, medical checks, and support groups for parents and carers.
Accessing our service
CAMHS Eating Disorders Service supports young people aged 8 to 18 who are experiencing an eating disorder and have significant concerns about their weight or body image.
We accept referrals from GPs, schools, children’s services, parents, carers, and young people aged 16 and over who wish to self-refer.
Before making a referral, we recommend compiling the following information:
- Height (in cm)
- Weight (in kg), including pattern of weight gain or loss
- Physical health checks (pulse and blood pressure)
- Menstruation history (when it started and current pattern)
- Eating patterns and behaviours (past and present)
- Details of any bingeing, purging, and exercise
- Any laxative or diuretic use
- Any prescribed medication
- Any recent history of dizziness or fainting
- Any relevant family history
If you're worried that someone you care about may have an eating disorder, it's important to talk to them and encourage them to get help from their GP.
If you're unsure whether a referral is needed, you can call our duty line on 0118 9043 010 or email us at BEDSchildrenadmin@berkshire.nhs.uk to discuss your concerns.
If it's urgent, such as very low weight, rapid weight loss, or serious mental health concerns like suicidal thoughts, please submit an online referral form and mark it as URGENT.
Eating Disorder Service referral form
Preparing for an assessment
Assessments usually take place at our Maidenhead clinic and can last up to four hours. It’s split into two parts, starting at 9.30am, with a short break before part two around 12pm.
When you arrive, you’ll be asked to fill out some questionnaires (if you haven't already done so) to help us understand how things have been for you. A parent or carer will usually join you so they can also share their views.
You’ll then meet your assessing clinicians, talk about your eating habits, and how you’ve been feeling.
At some point, the clinicians may speak to your parent or carer on their own. You’ll also have the chance to ask any questions you may have.
You'll usually have a physical health review, where we’ll check your height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse.
After the break, you'll meet with the clinicians again and they will share their feedback and recommendations about what might help. You may be offered treatment with our service, or we may suggest other types of support that could help.
Managing your health
When supporting a loved one with an eating disorder, it's important to encourage them to have regular food intake. They may need support and guidance in having regular meals and will likely require monitoring during and after meals.
During periods of higher stress, like before or after meals, it's recommended that there are distractions in place to help them get through this. These can include crafts, puzzles, or a family movie.
It's also advised that the young person does not do any exercise until a medical professional has confirmed it's safe to do so.
Your e-Health Passport
Your e-Health Passport lets us know what's important to you - from your preferred name and pronouns to how you'd like us to support you and communicate with you.
Learn moreContact us and FAQs
Nicholsons House
CAMHS Eating Disorders Service
Contact number: 0118 904 3010 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays)
Email: BEDSchildrenadmin@berkshire.nhs.uk
Post Address: SL6 1LD
Location detailsErlegh House
CAMHS Eating Disorders Service
Contact number: 0118 904 3010 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays)
Email: BEDSchildrenadmin@berkshire.nhs.uk
Post Address: RG6 6BZ
Location detailsFrequently asked questions
Where does treatment take place?
We offer treatment sessions at our clinics in Maidenhead and Reading. You'll usually be seen at the location that's closest to your home or school.
Each session lasts about an hour, typically once a week, however frequency will be discussed with you by your care co-ordinator.
When will I hear from the team after my referral?
Once we’ve received your referral, we’ll be in touch as soon as possible. If you're invited for an assessment, you'll be seen within 7 days if it's considered urgent, or within 28 days if it's a routine assessment.
Patient safety is always priority when offering assessment appointments.
What if I need urgent support?
We're not a crisis team, so if you have urgent concerns about a mental health problem or you're worried about a young person, call our mental health access team on 0300 247 0000. This line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What support is available for people over 18?
If you're already getting care from the CAMHS service, we will give you information about what happens next.
If you're over 18 and haven’t been seen by our service before, you'll be referred to the Adult Eating Disorders Service for support.
We can also help you with
Is there any information for friends, family and carers?
If you’re a family member/carer or you look after someone, there’s practical, financial, and emotional support available to you from a range of local communities and national organisations.
How do I request an interpreter?
We can provide language translation and interpretation support whenever you visit or contact us.
Tell our staff which language you prefer to use, and we will make sure the right communication support is in place for your assessment and treatment. Please let us know as early as possible so we can ensure the appropriate translation or interpreting support is available.
We offer a range of professional services to ensure everyone can understand and be understood:
- telephone interpreting
- video remote interpreting (VRI)
- face‑to‑face interpreting
- written translation
- British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting
How can I get information in an accessible format?
Anyone with a disability, impairment, or sensory loss has the right to receive information in a format that meets their needs. Under the Accessible Information Standard (AIS)—a legal requirement for all health and adult social care providers—we must ensure that people who use our services, including carers and families, can understand the information we provide and communicate effectively with us.
We can offer information in a range of accessible formats, including:
- British Sign Language (BSL)
- large print
- braille
- audio
- easy Read
- text message
- face‑to‑face support with a carer or advocate present
If you need information in any of these formats, please tell a member of our team and we will make sure your communication needs are met.
Are service dogs allowed to my appointment?
Yes. You are welcome to bring your registered service animal, such as a guide dog, hearing dog, medical alert dog, or other trained assistance dog to your appointment.
These animals are recognised as essential support and are permitted in most areas of our services.
To help us prepare, please let the team know before your appointment if you will be attending with a service animal. This allows us to make sure the environment is safe and comfortable for you, your animal, and other patients.
Please note that service animals may not be able to enter certain restricted clinical areas for safety or infection‑control reasons, but we will always work with you to find an appropriate alternative.
Treating our team with respect.
Respect is important.
We will be polite and kind and we expect that you treat our staff in the same way.
Abuse, hate and discrimination against our staff is unacceptable.
We will take strong action against anyone who is verbally, racially, physically, or sexually abusive to them.
This includes contacting the police to prosecute, and stopping future access to our healthcare services.
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