UK resources
Useful starting points. Clinical care still goes through your GP and local NHS pathway.
Beat · UK-wide
Beat — ARFID
UK eating-disorder charity: clear information, support, and helplines.
ARFID Awareness UK · UK-wide
ARFID Awareness UK
Charity focused on awareness and practical support for ARFID.
CNTW NHS · regional, useful anywhere
CNTW — Support for Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
NHS pages from Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear — co-produced ARFID information, tips, and webinars for families. Regional, but useful anywhere.
North East & North Cumbria NHS ICB · regional, useful anywhere
NENC — help for eating issues
Covers eating difficulties including picky and selective eating pathways for families in that region — regional, useful anywhere as a starting point; local pathways vary.
NHS Inform · Scotland (regional, useful anywhere)
NHS Inform Scotland — ARFID
Scottish NHS guide to symptoms, diagnosis, and when to seek help. Regional, useful anywhere.
What to ask your GP
Take a written list of accepted foods, brands included. It saves time, and it stops the appointment turning into a memory test at the worst possible moment. Draft it in Notes for clinic if that helps.
- Could this be ARFID rather than picky eating?
- Can we check growth and basic bloods?
- Who locally deals with restricted eating — paediatrics, dietetics, CAMHS, or an eating-disorder team?
- Is there a waiting list, and what should we do while we wait?
- When should we come back sooner or go to A&E?
Helplines
- Beat Helpline0808 801 0677 — 9am–8pm weekdays, 4pm–8pm weekends
- Beat Youthline (under 18)0808 801 0711 — same hours
- NHS 111111 — 24/7 for urgent advice when you are unsure
Helpline numbers and hours checked September 2026.