A PSYCHOLOGIST who specialises in eating disorders was named runner-up for a national award.

Dr Karen Seal, who works for Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, took second prize in Deputy Prime Minster Nick Clegg’s Mental Health Hero Awards, which had more than 900 nominations.

She is currently heading up the eating disorder service in Chorley and Central Lancashire, and was nominated for the award by patients.

She said: “It was a privilege to receive the nomination and it means so much that it came from service users, they really are at the heart of our practice.

“I was presented the award by Mr Clegg at a ceremony in Whitehall, London and it was a brilliant day to be surrounded by so many examples of outstanding work that takes place on a daily basis to improve the lives of the people we care for.

“Unfortunately there is still stigma associated with mental health difficulties, and we all have a part to play in reducing that.

“Anyone, be they male, female, young or old can be affected by an eating disorder (and) our services use innovative thinking to provide the very best care to people who need our support.

“It is important that people feel comfortable in seeking out help and support from a specialist service to ensure the underlying concerns can be addressed and the right treatment provided for the individual. As a team we aim to instil hope for recovery and work with compassion at the heart of our practice.

“Everybody seeking our help is treated as an individual with respect and dignity. Shame can be high in eating disorders and we work hard to reduce this for the people we see.”

If you would like To find out more about the eating disorder services available in your area, visit www.lancashirecare.nhs.uk/Eating-Disorders.