A series of major events took place in Cyprus in October 2009 highlighting the issue of Eating Disorders. These were the initiative of the British High Commissioner and his wife June Millett, working with the full support and co-operation of the Cypriot Ministries of Health and Education.

Eating Disorders are on the rise in Cyprus and the excellent level of co-operation ensured a highly successful week, which raised awareness of the problems and the means available to tackle them.

Among the highlights were a fundraising event at the Presidential Palace, a lecture at the University of Cyprus - by British expert on Eating Disorders Dr. Janet Treasure - workshops and meetings with parents and carers of sufferers.

To mark Professor Treasure's visit, BHC Peter Millett and June Millett hosted an evening of entertainment at the Presidential Palace.  This was under the auspices of the First Lady, Mrs. Elsie Christofias, Patron of the Cyprus Eating Disorders Association.  The event attracted a huge response with a large and appreciative audience including the Minister of Health, Dr Patsalides and Mayor of Nicosia, Eleni Mavrou.  The evening, organised with the assistance of the Costas and Rita Severis Foundation and sponsored by the Hellenic Bank of Cyprus, took the form of a Play of Voices based on Monuments and Memories, Government House, written by Dr Rita Severis and Dr Michael Gibbon. Proceeds from this event will be used to help the Cyprus EDA in their ongoing work.

The wife of the High Commissioner took the opportunity to thank all those who had helped make the performance and the series of seminars and lectures possible, especially Mrs Christofias, Professor Janet Treasure and her team and the Costas and Rita Severis Foundation.  She also thanked the Hellenic Bank for its generosity.

During her visit, Dr. Treasure, one of the UK's leading experts in this area gave a lecture on "Eating Disorders, New Translations into Therapy" organised by the Psychology Department of the University of as well as lectures and workshops for medical professionals.  The aim of the presentations was to consider new ways of thinking about Eating Disorders, taking into consideration genetic factors, developmental issues and how the environment shapes thoughts and behaviours.  The lecture was well received by a packed audience.

A seminar for education professionals on 13th Tuesday was also very well attended.  The seminar sought to raise awareness of best practice - how to recognise behavioural changes and how to respond once a problem has been identified.  It was followed by a discussion with carers/parents, aiming to offer professional advice and suggest methods of support to sufferers and their families.

A further seminar, for Health Professionals, presented an overview of Eating Disorders with a focus on Assessment Evidence based treatment, the principles of Motivational Interviewing and how to conduct it.  It also included an outline of Motivational Therapy.

During the press conference on Monday 12th, the Minister of Health spoke about the increase in the incidences of Eating Disorders in Cyprus and referred to the special Unit, which will be opened in the General Hospital next year.  In her statements Mrs. Millett highlighted that these disorders were illnesses; not fads or phases that people go through.  She further observed that the plan to open a mixed Psychiatric unit was an important step but that sufferers of Eating Disorders often do not do well in hospital - so a dedicated unit should be opened for them.  This would not, as some claimed, be an excessively expensive venture, as there would be no need for expensive hospital equipment.

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