Anthea (Past Association President) and Melanie (GB&I administrator) were privileged to represent Inner Wheel GB&I at this prestigious venue and special occasion. It was hosted by Baroness Parminter on behalf of the charity BEAT
Our attire was Business/Casual, Inner Wheel @ the Heart of the Community badges were firmly attached to lapels and Melanie wore her signature red AGM shoes to complement her red and black accessories.
We approached security via the entrance to Black Rod’s Garden, queuing was short, the security process tight and similar to airport procedure. We were escorted to the Cholmondeley room and riverside terrace.
The Master of Ceremonies, suitably attired and sporting a long grey pony tail extended a warm welcome and explicit housekeeping rules.
Approximately 150 guests mingled and networked in the room and on the terrace overlooking the River Thames with iconic landmarks in the background.
Wine and water were freely served together with exquisite canapes in the style of starter, main and dessert.
Most guests appeared to be clinicians, health authority professionals, educationalists, support staff , former patients, politicians and some fundraisers.
Clearly, Inner Wheel were present in appreciation of the significant donation of £30,300 plus to BEAT in our Centenary year.
A presentation was given by Andrew Radford the CEO and other key contributors to the research project and document There’s No Place Like Home.
The report was written by Umairah Malik Clinical and Research coordinator at BEAT with input and a range of contributions from many.
There’s No Place Like Home was launched to make the case for intensive community and day treatment for eating disorders.
Baroness Parminter, clinicians and former patients all spoke of their “lived” experiences as evidence for treatment programmes that do not result in “ the patient being taken away from family and friends ata time of such great need and vulnerability”
BEAT also produced a document “OUR IMPACT 2023-24”. It is possible to see how Inner Wheel fundraising contributes to BEAT and the challenges it faces providing support for those with eating disorders.
We were overwhelmed by the professionalism and warmth of the hospitality, the incredible work BEAT is doing with a range of professionals and politicians to continue to meet the needs of a rapidly growing number with eating disorders.
The MoC announced the closure of the event with 16 minutes to vacate the room. Melanie and I headed off towards the inevitable House of Lords gift shop. Our purchases were minimal but a fitting memento of a visit to the House of lords and of course insight into BEAT, a wonderful charity.
