SPEAKS book launch: A new approach for longstanding anorexia | Online
Join us for the SPEAKS book launch! An event to highlight experiences of people with longstanding anorexia and introduce the SPEAKS therapy.
Date and time
Location
Online
Agenda
12:00 PM - 12:10 PM
Introduction by the authors
12:10 PM - 12:30 PM
The SPEAKS Approach: Overview and Recent Developments
12:30 PM - 12:50 PM
Hope Virgo: Author & Lived Experience Advocate for people with Eating Disorder
12:50 PM - 1:10 PM
Hannah Hickinbotham: Founder, Full of Beans Podcast & Lived Experience Speaker
1:10 PM - 1:25 PM
Discussion and questions with all speakers
1:25 PM - 1:30 PM
Event Close
About this event
- Event lasts 1 hour 30 minutes
ONLINE TICKET
SPEAKS book launch: An event to highlight experiences of people with longstanding anorexia and to introduce the SPEAKS therapy
Date: 08/07/2025
Time: 12pm - 1.30pm (UK)
Location: Online via Zoom (in-person ticket also available)
Please join us for launch of the SPEAKS Therapy Guidebook, where we will introduce the SPEAKS approach, but put the spotlight on individuals with lived experience. This hybrid event offers an in-person location in the Work Room Gallery at the beautiful venue of The Amelia Scott in Tunbridge Wells or online via zoom.
We are delighted to be joined by both Hope Virgo and Hannah Hickinbotham.
Hope Virgo is an author and an international multi award winning campaigner for those affected by eating disorders. She spends her time travelling around the world speaking to corporates, schools, universities as well as working closely with hospitals to ensure that treatment is the best it can be for those with eating disorders . Hope founded the #DumpTheScales campaign which got eating disorders on the governments agenda and she now is the secretariat for the APPG for eating disorders. She has been described by icon and sports presenter, Jeff Stelling, as indefatigable. On 22nd January, the APPG for eating disorders launched their first report under the new government and with Hope Virgo as the Secretariat. The report showed harrowing stories of neglect within services whilst highlighting what can happen when we invest in services. Hope will share more about the work of the APPG, findings from the report and what’s next for the APPG. She will share why we should all come together to campaign for services, and treatments, as well as sharing a snapshot of her recovery.
Hannah Hickinbotham is the founder of Full of Beans, an eating disorder awareness podcast and a digital marketing expert in mental health. Hannah uses her lived, research and clinical experience to advocate for eating disorder awareness following her experience of atypical anorexia, body dysmorphia and AuDHD. Hannah has previously worked with Anna to recover from atypical anorexia in her 3rd relapse, using SPEAKS to give Hannah access to a life free of an eating disorder after 14 years of struggles.
We'd love you to come together with us to honour and learn from these incredible voices and to support future treatment innovations and change needed to improve care for people with eating disorders, particularly those with longstanding illness.
***Book on this page for Online tickets
** To join us In-Person, book tickets using this link - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/speaks-book-launch-a-new-approach-for-longstanding-anorexia-in-person-tickets-1380418953249?aff=oddtdtcreator
Frequently asked questions
Anyone who has an interest in eating disorders! It is an opportunity to hear about the SPEAKS therapeutic approach, to update those following our work on the recent developments, and to highlight the importance of improved options and care, especially for those with longstanding illness.
A new integrative treatment model for adults with anorexia nervosa. Rooted in Emotion-Focused Therapy and Schema Therapy, and integrating learnings from client lived experience, it describes a clear model of change linked to recovery from anorexia that addresses its emotional underpinnings.
Transforming Emotional Pain and Rediscovering the Self in Anorexia Nervosa A Clinical Guide is written by Anna Oldershaw, Helen Startup, Tony Lavender. It is available is available through major booksellers, as well as online including at Routledge and Amazon websites.
*Psychologists and therapists seeking effective methods for treating eating disorders, especially where presentations are complex, longstanding or include neurodivergence. *Therapists with an interest in chairwork, Emotion Focused Therapy and/or Schema Therapy.
Dr ANNA OLDERSHAW is a Clinical Psychologist, Trainer and Reader in Clinical Psychology [www.emotionspeaks.co.uk]. Dr HELEN STARTUP is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Trainer [www.schematherapyschool.co.uk]. Prof. TONY LAVENDER is a Clinical Psychologist and a Professor (Emeritus).
You can find out more about Hope, her Dump the Scales campaign and the annual march for eating disorders here - https://www.endeatingdisorders.org/
You can learn more about Hannah at her website - https://www.wearefullofbeans.com/
You can read the report from the All Party Parliamentary Group for Eating Disorders published in February 2025 here - https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/69681888/appg-report-the-right-to-health-final-one-all-checked
The zoom link will be linked to your ticket once you book and sent to you with your tickets.
Not all authors and speakers are able to join us in person, some will also join us online.