Hove Eating Disorder Treatment Centre Opens

A woman who endured anorexia nervosa for eight years has officially opened a new eating disorder day service for young people in Sussex.

The Spring Tide Eating Disorder Day Service is the first of its kind in Sussex — and only one of four in the South East to offer an alternative to inpatient care.

It is run by the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, the provider of specialist mental heath care, learning disability services and neurodevelopmental support across south-east England.

Trust staff said this newly opened centre will enable young people to be treated in the community and stay at home with their families.

Spring Tide is based at Aldrington House in Hove.

It is aimed at young people aged 18 and under who are already known to specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Katrina Cheshire, 24, who suffered from anorexia nervosa for eight years including six years spent in hospital, cut the ribbon to officially launch the new service on Thursday (August 3).

She said:

"If Spring Tide had been around when I was in recovery, I probably wouldn’t have spent so much time in inpatient treatment and probably would have recovered quicker.

"I truly believed I’d never get better, but I’m living proof that there is a life beyond your eating disorder.

"I feel so honoured, grateful and excited to be opening this new unit, especially as the staff that are here quite literally saved my life and I could never thank them enough for that."

Katrina is now fully recovered and works as in a care home looking after people with dementia.

Shelley Oakeshott, Clinical Service Manager at Spring Tide added:

"Katrina's story is so inspirational and provides hope to so many young people with an eating disorder.

"We aim to provide families who walk through our doors with help, answers, understanding and compassion when they are in one of the most vulnerable times of their lives.

"Spring Tide will help us treat young people sooner and offer an alternative to staying overnight in hospital to receive the care they need."

Led by a multi-disciplinary team, the service operates Monday to Friday, with young people attending between 10am and 4pm.

There is flexibility for families to join for a meal in the evening as part of their care plan.

The 14-week programme is designed around term times including two half terms, with a four-week programme offered over the summer holidays.

How does referral work?

Young people can only be referred to Spring Tide by health care professionals.

Upon referral, the young people will first be assessed to ensure they meet the criteria to join the programme.

This includes being medically fit and able to engage in group activities.

If they meet the criteria, the aim is to get them admitted as soon as possible.

The local community team will continue to work with the young person and family until they are able to join programme at the day service.

You can find out more about Spring Tide by following this link.