Remote care for eating disorders became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic (refer to our previous RHED-C project, Animation, and Publications) – but despite its continued use, the UK still lacks a national eating disorder strategy or formal guidance on when and how to offer digital support. This gap risks reinforcing inequalities and creating a “postcode lottery” where the quality and accessibility of care depends on where you live (see publications).
Our previous RHED-C research showed that well-designed remote care can be safe, effective, and increase access to support – particularly for underserved groups facing barriers like digital exclusion, lack of transport, or caregiving responsibilities. Yet without inclusive design and clear policy direction, digital services risk worsening existing inequalities rather than addressing them. The ENACT-ED project seeks to address the need for national policy for remote eating disorder care.
Launched in March 2026, ENACT-ED is a 17-month project funded by the Medical Research Foundation and led by Dr Dawn Branley-Bell. Dawn is joined on the project by co-investigator Dr Richard Brown and Senior Research Assistant Claire Murphy-Morgan. Working in partnership with the Regional Eating Disorders Charities Alliance and Network, ENACT-ED moves evidence into action by bridging the gap between research and policy, engaging directly with the people who can drive real change: policymakers, NHS professionals, third-sector organisations, and people with lived experience. Dave Chawner – stand-up comedian, award-winning author and person with lived experience – will also be supporting the ENACT-ED project via a social media campaign and creation of film content to help disseminate findings.
Through a series of roundtable events across England in May – July 2026, we’re gathering insights from those on the frontlines – hearing from individuals who’ve received remote care, clinicians delivering it, and voluntary organisations innovating beyond traditional NHS services. These discussions will inform strategic priorities for equitable remote care, to be presented to NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care, and relevant All-Party Parliamentary Groups.
Watch this space for our policy guidance document tailored for both decision-makers and frontline services, alongside our public-facing media campaign which is launching soon. All resources – including policy briefings, explainer videos, and live scribing visualisations – will be freely available through a digital repository in due course.
For more information or to express an interest in taking part, contact Dr Dawn Branley-Bell (project lead, dawn.branley-bell@northumbria.ac.uk) or Claire Murphy-Morgan (Senior RA, claire.n.murphy-morgan@northumbria.ac.uk)