Norwich: Charity Awarded Winehouse Foundation Cash

19 July 2013, 06:00

A Norwich based charity has become the first eating disorder charity to get money from the Amy Winehouse Foundation.

Beat has been awarded more than £40,000 to develop a new website.

Amy's brother Alex Winehouse said:  "It is vital, in the world we live in today, that everything is done to highlight the danger eating disorders can wreak upon the human body. Too often, the easiest option ? to turn away and act like nothing is happening ? is taken, and it is time this stops. We hope that, by working alongside Beat, discussions about bulimia and anorexia can now take place, and that people's fears of this subject are allayed."

The website will ensure both sufferers and their families can use message boards, take part in live chats and online support groups and search support services in their local area using the HelpFinder online directory.

The Amy Winehouse Foundation was set up in Amy's memory by her family to support, inform and inspire vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.

Usually it provides grants to drug and alcohol charities, but has chosen to support Beat to raise awareness of Amy's battle with bulimia. 

A spokesperson said: "Amy was passionate about helping young people, and fully understood the problems that many of them face."
 
Beat Chief Executive Susan Ringwood: "We are delighted to have this vital support from The Amy Winehouse Foundation. This will enable us to reach many more of the 1.6million people affected by these serious mental illnesses in the UK.  Our website is a key part of what we do and it's vital that we make the information and support we have easily accessible to everyone."