Youth Track: understanding eating disorders

Youth Track is a comprehensive, preventative resource designed to educate teenagers about eating disorders in a supportive and engaging way

Packed with activities, video content, group discussions and individual reflections, it is highly interactive and thought-provoking whilst remaining sensitive to the subject matter

The three sessions work well as a part of the PSHE curriculum, as an extra-curricular group or within a one-to-one setting with a school counsellor

A robust, sensitive, high-quality resource for use in secondary schools and youth groups

The Youth Track resource…

…equips young people with a healthy knowledge around what eating disorders are.

…is a preventative resource that has been designed to work in any secondary school context with young people between the ages of 11-18.

…teaches young people how to avoid getting an eating disorder and how to help those who are struggling.

…allows young people to explore their feelings and relationship with food in a healthy and safe way.

…enables teachers to begin breaking down the stigma surrounding eating disorders and dispelling the myths believed by many.

Take a minute to watch an introduction to Youth Track

For a one-off price of £50, the Youth Track USB* contains:

  • 3 detailed session plans for facilitators

  • 3 PowerPoint presentations with accompanying video content

  • Real story of eating disorder and recovery

  • Facilitators’ tutorial

  • Worksheets and handouts for all sessions

  • Certificates of attendance for all participants

* A download version is available on request

Useful links:

Take a minute to watch an introduction to Youth Track*

*Please note that YouTube puts a warning message and age restriction on this video as it mentions the term ‘eating disorders’. All of the content is appropriate and suitable for age 11+. Hover over the video, click ‘Watch on YouTube’ and then click ‘I understand and wish to proceed’ to access the video content. 

Designed to work within a PSHE context, the three hour-long sessions are accessible for any teacher to deliver, and any student to engage with

Youth Track is suited best for those aged between 11-14 at KS3 but can be adapted to suit older secondary-age pupils. Meeting the PSHE Association’s 10 Principles of Effective Education, as well as covering a range of objectives within its programme of study, this resource enables teachers to deliver relevant, forward-facing sessions that would complement a whole-school approach to PSHE.

Knowing that eating disorders often begin during adolescence, this material reaches the most vulnerable. We recognise that teachers throughout secondary schools are consistently asked to take on pastoral topics, often without prior training. This resource provides you with the means and confidence to engage with this difficult subject in a healthy way. Eating disorders are present in every school, and need to be addressed by every school.

Session Objectives

    • To enable young people to make the link between food and feelings in their own experiences

    • To enable young people to recognise the things in everyday life that shape self-image and perceptions of what is ‘normal’

    • To explore why the link between food and feelings can become a problem that affects health and participation in everyday life

    • To learn about eating disorders and understand the different types of eating disorder

    • To know how to get help for self and others

    • To ensure students are aware that it is possible to avoid eating disorders

    • To ensure students are aware that it is possible to recover from eating disorders

    • To make sure students know how they can find help for themselves and others, and how to prevent eating disorders from happening

Useful links:

Youth Track Testimonials
Young Person

‘It will give me knowledge for the future so that if me or someone around me was to be ill with an eating disorder, I would know exactly what to do.’

Young Person

‘It has made me understand what eating disorders really are and how they can affect normal people.’

Young Person

‘I know the reasons why people feel the way they do and understand better that it’s not their will. I know now that it’s hard for them to change.’

Facilitator

‘The lessons were all very good and informative, the students responded well to them and the PowerPoint was clear and easy to follow.’

Facilitator

‘Very clear. Could easily be used by any teacher, whether trained or untrained in eating disorders.’

School Counsellor

‘Youth Track gave [the students] a better understanding of disordered eating and eating disorders. It has definitely equipped them with the language and understanding to make it easier to talk about their own struggles. 10/10 for impact!’