A WOMAN from Northwich is changing perceptions, raising awareness and offering support to anyone suffering an eating disorder.

Helen Davies, who set up the Cheshire West Eating Support Team (CWEST) nearly four years ago, is also holding a helping hand out to all those supporting someone with a disorder.

She is running information stands during Eating Disorders Awareness Week, from February 23 to March 1, to highlight the illness and the help available.

"CWEST is not a counselling group," she said.

"We're there to empathise and share experiences.

"We give people the confidence to get the support that they deserve

"People suffering an eating disorder believe 'it's my fault' but we're about giving them the confidence to push them to get a little more help if they need it."

She added: "We can't wave a magic wand and make it all better but we're helping them to understand what's happening and giving them the space to talk or have a good cry."

Helen suffered from anorexia herself in her 20s, so knows from personal experience what others are going through, including their families.

"It's heartbreaking for everyone, not just the sufferers," she said.

"It affects those around them probably harder because they can stand back and see it, while the sufferer may be in denial.

"It's quite frustrating because they can't do anything about it.

"But you can support sufferers just by being there and not talking about it – you don't need it at the forefront of your mind because it's already there 24/7.

"It's knowing what to do and how to deal with it.

"Even if you come to one meeting just to find out."

CWEST's carers group meets on the second Thursday of every month and its recovery group meets on the fourth Thursday of every month.

Meetings are held at Cheshire Carers Centre, in London Road, from 6.30pm to 8pm.

She is running information stands at Wyvern House, in Winsford, from 10am to 2pm on Monday, February 23, and from noon to 4pm on Thursday, February 26.

For more information ring Helen on 07763 061307.