DRAWING EMPLOYERS ATTENTION TO EATING DISORDERS

CiC (www.cic-eap.co.uk), one of the UK’s leading Employee Assistance Programme Providers, will this week draw employer’s attention to Eating Disorder Awareness Week (4th -10th February 2007). CiC will send all of their clients a fact sheet to raise awareness of the problem and to better inform them on the signs of eating disorders amongst staff, with some pointers to underlying causes.

Kate Nowlan, Director, CiC:

“Eating disorders are very topical at present, with almost every TV and Radio station discussing on the one hand Size Zero models, and on the other the alarming increase in obesity amongst the UK population. But nowhere is the problem more prevalent than in the workplace. People with eating disorders may appear on the surface to be just like you or I, apparently hard working, excelling at their jobs. But employers must keep an eye out for warning signs. They’re not necessarily what you would expect. Eating disorders can affect performance at work, contribute to absenteeism, low morale and secretive behaviour that impacts on work relationships. Many of the traits that signal addictive personalities are echoed in those affected by eating disorders.”

CiC hopes to highlight the severity of illnesses such as anorexia, bulimia and obesity. Their fact sheet will explain the signs of trouble, and hopes to stimulate a debate which might bring this most private and hidden problem more into the open, and so encourage people to seek help.

“Eating disorders represent one of the most difficult psychiatric illnesses to treat. People will go to extreme lengths to hide their condition, even isolating themselves in an effort to keep their eating disorder a secret. It is essential that the issue is addressed however as without treatment long term effects can include malnutrition, heart problems and other potentially fatal conditions. Employers with an awareness of eating disorders can help their employees to receive effective treatment that can lead to full recovery.”

Kate Nowlan, CEO, CiC

For further information contact Beccy Whittles, Max PR:
020 8939 9029 / beccy@maxpr-events.com

Visuals available

Kate Nowlan, CEO, available for interview

Notes to Editor:

CiC’s Core Services:

CiC provide telephone support, management support, face to face counselling, traumatic incident counselling, specialist support services, training and executive coaching and management information. The group specialises in the following services:

Crisis Management – CiC offer a complete Crisis Management and Critical Incident Cover package available 24/7. CiC’s Critical Incident Support staff and specialist trauma team are highly trained and have experience of providing support both to groups and on a one-to-one support basis across a range of situations, including the London 7/7 bombings, the ’04 Madrid train bombings, the Paddington rail crash, armed bank raids, bomb threats/evacuations and sudden deaths in the workplace.

Business Continuity & Critical Incident Support has to be a fundamental part of strategic planning for any forward thinking company nowadays. CiC also address Risk Management in the fields of Business Continuity, Company Risk Reviews, Security and International Travel Advice, and Critical Incident Cover.

EAP – The Employee Assistance Programme is CiC’s most highly demanded service. It focuses on organisational performance and enhanced productivity. Employees benefit from a 24 hour confidential helpline, available 365 days of the year, that offers support for every area of both their personal and professional life.

Management support and face to face counselling are provided as well as specialist support services such as Financial, Legal and child / family care, retirement, and redundancy issues.

Learning & Development – CiC’s comprehensive training programmes add value to businesses across the spectrum. The specialised training department has diverse front line industry knowledge and experience which allows them to provide considerable depth of advice and training to fit the commercial requirements of any business. CiC use a range of specifically developed learning tools to train people in wide variety of business & management skills. Courses include: General Skills, Business Development, Leadership Skills, Business Continuity, HR Services and Coaching.