Third sector

Inspire Motivate Overcome (IMO) is a community third sector organisation, based in Blackburn with Darwen. The charity has been in operation since 2006 and their current core mission has been to help local young people and their families to combat disadvantage, to overcome the difficult and different challenges they may face.

IMO specialise in working with BAME and disadvantaged communities by understanding the cultural barriers that can prevent these beneficiaries from accessing the support they require. Furthermore, IMO recognises the sensitivity required when dealing with issues related to mental health and eating disorders in these communities. ‘Level Up’ and ‘EmpowerED’ represents the start of an innovative and person-centred care approach that is currently absent in our local communities. Mental health issues and eating disorders are often ignored and hidden by BAME communities, using the previous experience of providers is paramount to overcome this stigma of shame. An important part of this care is ensuring the beneficiaries remain close to home and to their support network instead of being admitted to hospital if it can be avoided.

The director of operations, Mohammed Sidat said: “We are delighted to be a part of the NHS-Led Provider Collaborative, working alongside the NHS and other providers to drive innovation and creativity to truly person-centred care. This is vital as IMO and other providers can inform experts with the previous experiences in order to tailor future programmes to the needs of the community. We are excited that the collaboration will allow for improvements in quality, patient experience and patient outcomes driving change”.

You can read more about IMO on the IMO website.

At Beat, we’re beyond excited to train, support and empower Experts by Experience  to play an active role in the Empowered Provider Collaborative programme.

Beat is the UK’s eating disorder charity. We’re on a mission to end the suffering caused by these devastating mental illnesses.

We know early intervention increases chances of recovery. So we always encourage people to seek treatment when they call our Helpline. We also support family and friends, by equipping them with essential skills and advice. We want them to help loved ones recover, without neglecting their own mental health.  

And we don’t stop there.

A huge part of our work includes researching and campaigning. We’re here to increase knowledge of eating disorders among healthcare professionals and more. We bust unhelpful myths, fight against stigma and call for better funding of high-quality treatment  – so help is actually available to those who bravely ask for it.

For that reason, we support the EmpowerED Provider Collaborative, and know it could transform the North West. We also passionately believe in co-production and the value those with lived experience can bring at every level.  

Anyone touched by an eating disorder brings a unique perspective. They provide critical insight and inform how current care and support can be improved.  When power is genuinely shared, discussions are more grounded and both, service users and their carers, are more likely to be placed at the centre of thinking, planning and provision.

To find out more, visit the Beat Eating Disorders website.