MSP MARKS ONE YEAR SINCE EMOTIVE DEBATE
SNP MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Dennis Robertson, will this week mark one year since his emotive and thought-provoking members debate on Eating Disorders, which saw him claim the Donald Dewar Award for Debater of the Year 2012.
The debate in 2012 was used to mark a year since his daughter, Caroline, died from Anorexia Nervosa, and since Dennis Robertson MSP has made eating disorders a priority issue for him in Parliament.
Most recently, Dennis spoke on the issues surrounding pro-anorexia sites and their consumption by children as young as 6. He regularly meets with the Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson and other stakeholder groups to keep eating disorders on the agenda.
This week is Anorexia Awareness Week, and along with young people, Dennis hopes to further raise awareness of the real support that is available to overcome the illness.
Mr Robertson commented:
“It is a very emotive issue for me, and I stand with other parents that have lost a loved one by an eating disorder. It is important to promote Anorexia Awareness Week, because people with eating disorders often feel shame and don’t want to talk openly about it.
“Everyone with an eating disorder needs to know there is real help available, that there is people out there that understand what they are going through and are willing and ready to talk and listen.
“I have had very important discussions with the Scottish Government and stakeholders to ensure that eating disorders remain a priority issue, and I am confident that much needed action will come.”
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