An “inspirational” group launched by the parents of a teenager who became seriously ill with an eating disorder has been awarded a grant to help others in the same situation.
Donna and Paul Foster set up Kick Rexi Out, a support group for North Yorkshire families managing life with an eating disorder, after one of their children was diagnosed with anorexia last year.
The project, backed by our Trust partner the Community Mental Health Transformation (CMHT) programme, as well as NYCC Stronger Communities and Carers Plus Yorkshire, offers practical help and advice.
However, Donna – who now runs the group with a team of volunteers – ultimately aims to turn Kick Rexi Out into a charity, providing emotional and financial aid to those in need. A new grant from the CMHT will help with this.
Offering a helping hand
“We are not professionals, we are not here to diagnose or treat a child, we are here to support families through what we know is a very tough time,” said Donna, from Wombleton.
“Ideally, if we got charity status, we could help even more – like paying for a taxi to get to appointments or helping out with a utility bill or shopping. Something to ease the burden.”
Donna and Paul knew nothing about eating disorders until one of their daughters stopped eating last year. The condition came on fast – possibly exacerbated by the Covid lockdowns.
“It ripped through our family at speed. The anorexia in our house became known as “Rexi”. She was like another person taking over our daughter’s thoughts and actions,” said Donna.
“Rexi is vile and very nasty and made our daughter extremely poorly. She exercised for hours, slept little and just stopped eating by the end. It was an awful, terrible time.
“Having our daughter admitted into a specialist care unit was the last resort, but it saved her life.”
Vital support on offer
Donna and Paul launched Kick Rexi Out following their daughter’s diagnosis, to offer information and support to parents who find themselves in the same situation.
The Ryedale-based group has now been awarded a £1,820 grant from the CMHT programme towards its work – to help fund a laptop, leaflets, posters, meetings and a website.
Members are also very appreciative of the support provided by Carers Plus Yorkshire, which is helping to advise on ways to turn the project into a charity, as well as a grant from the Bright Sparks group as well.
“Kick Rexi Out is really going from strength to strength,” said Donna. “We want to thank both the CMHT and Bright Sparks for the grants, which are amazing – as well as everyone else who has helped us.
“The next step is to put together a detailed information pack for parents and carers about eating disorders, as well as hold support sessions for people who end up in our situation.”
Eating disorders put strain on families
Donna knows that the journey ahead will not be all plain sailing – but is determined to ensure that others in the same situation will be able to turn to the group for support.
“The strain the illness puts on a family is huge – both emotionally and financially. But Kick Rexi Out can help – carer to carer, and parent to parent,” she said.
“The ultimate goal is to work alongside the NHS to help improve the support available to parents and eventually fund a community nurse. Together we can really change things.”
David Kerr, the CMHT programme and delivery lead for North Yorkshire and York at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, today praised the work of KRO.
Inspirational work
“We are delighted to support Kick Rexi Out. The group is doing amazing work which aligns well with the aims of CMHT programme to increase and improve access to services,” he said.
“We want to link services across the whole system together. The ultimate aim is to reduce barriers to access and ensure services are provided in the right place at the right time.”
Paddy Chandler, the Stronger Communities delivery manager for Ryedale and North York Moors, also praised Kick Rexi Out and called it “inspirational”.
“Their aim to support others, and in the long term to help improve systems, fits incredibly well with Community Mental Health Transformation objectives,” he said.
“It is great to see Bright Sparks investing in, and giving confidence to, new grass roots community projects. This provides hope and motivation for everyone involved in CMHT and, most importantly, others facing the challenges of the effects of eating disorders.”
- If you live in the Ryedale area and would like to contact the group email [email protected], message via the group’s Facebook page or ring 07425 346936.
