Publish date: 7 March 2025
A new partnership between the Trust and Brentford FC Community Sports Trust (BFCCST) explores the connections between food, body image and eating challenges, with a focus on men's experiences.
On Wednesday 26 February during Eating Disorders awareness week, colleagues from the Trust Community Eating Disorders service led by Dr Tracy Teng, West London Wellbeing and Recovery college, BFCCST and the University of West London asked football fans how food affected their game ahead of the Bees match against Everton at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Engaging with fans provided the teams with an opportunity to introduce the Community Eating Disorders project and initiate a conversation about the impact of food on football fans. A crucial part of the engagement activity involved sharing pocket-sized business cards to fans with service details and guidance on how to seek support.
Food, Sports and Men's Health Workshop
Ahead of the Brentford Vs Everton match, football fans had the opportunity to attend a workshop which explored the connections between food, body image and eating challenges, with a focus on men's experiences.
Topics covered during the workshop included:
- Societal pressures
- Sports-related body ideals
- Nutritional myths
Dr Tracy Teng, Principal Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead, West London NHS Trust Community Eating Disorders Service helped deliver the Food, Sports and Men's Health workshop, she said:
“To mark this year’s Eating Disorders Awareness Week, we connected with passionate football fans on a match day through our partnership with Brentford FC Community Sports Trust.
“I had the pleasure to co-produce and run our first Food, Sports and Men’s Health Workshop at Brentford. We are very pleased to share the West London community now has a safe and supportive space specially created for men to connect and explore topics of food and body image.
“Our amazing team at West London NHS Trust also actively engaged with football fans, introducing our Community Eating Disorders project and bespoke groups/courses on offer.
“Thank you to Brentford Football Club for inviting us to watch the Premier League game Brentford FC vs Everton afterwards. What a memorable, meaningful and impactful Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
“We have more group sessions tailored for men and those working in the sports industry in the coming few weeks, further details can be found here.”
Upcoming courses
Wednesday 26 March 2025 | Eating Disorder Awareness Training
Do you work in the sports industry or know anyone who does? Are you a sports coach, fitness trainer, dance or gymnastics teacher?
Sign up here to attend the Eating Disorder awareness training session that explores the connections between food, body image and eating challenges.
Topics covered include:
- Types of eating disorders and disordered eating
- Warning signs and symptoms
- Communication and support strategies
West London NHS Wellbeing and Recovery College
The activation also spotlighted the various learning opportunities being delivered by the Trust, focusing on the links between food, body image and eating challenges.
This included the Wellbeing and Recovery College, which offers educational courses and resources to help individuals with their mental health and wellbeing. The college is open to everyone and provides a variety of courses co-produced by individuals who have lived experience. You can view the latest course information in the Spring 2025 prospectus.
To learn more about the Eating Disorders project, watch this video clip with Dillon Chauhan, Eating disorders - expert by experience and Brentford FC Footballer, Ben Mee.