Hope Virgo
Hope Virgo is an author and multi award winning campaigner for people with eating disorders. Through her talks, Hope helps young people and employers (including schools, hospitals and businesses) deal with the rising tide of mental health issues. Hope is also a recognised media spokesperson, having appeared on various platforms including BBC Newsnight, Good Morning Britain, Sky News, BBC Breakfast and BBC News. She has published two books including best-seller Stand Tall Little Girl, documenting her eating disorder journey. Hope's third book; You are Free is out in May 2022 which tackles issues around mental health and faith. In 2018, Hope launched #DumpTheScales which called on the government to stop using BMI as the primary measure to determine whether someone with an eating disorder would qualify for NHS support. Her petition generated over 116,000 signatures and was delivered to Number 10 Downing Street.
ArticleEating disorders don’t take a break at Christmas
Hope Virgo urges us to take time among the festivities of the season to be more mindful of those around us and the struggles they may have
ArticleWalking free of shame and stigma in pregnancy and beyond
Hope Virgo asserts that parents suffering from mental ill-health really need the Church to step up and provide support
OpinionBody shaming can cause lasting damage but Paul’s teachings offer us a better approach
Mental health campaigner Hope Virgo shares her perspective on body shaming after reports of toxic behaviour in ballet schools.
ArticleIt’s time to start having uncomfortable conversations about mental health
Hope Virgo has some advice on reaching out to people in practical ways so that we fulfil God’s commandment to love everyone
ArticleDo genetics hold the key?
Hope Virgo explores the link between genetics and mental health issues, and how advances in research are helping our understanding
Article‘I spent thousands on therapy because I wasn’t thin enough for support from the NHS’
Hope Virgo lifts the lid on the spiralling costs for those trying to get help for mental health issues
ArticleDebunking the myth of the “summer body”
Mental health campaigner Hope Virgo unpacks why we are seeking too much value from our physical bodies and what we can do about it.
OpinionAI claims to have created the ‘perfect’ man and woman… but are the robots playing God?
Author and campaigner Hope Virgo shares her thoughts on the computer generated ‘perfect’ people.
ArticleEating disorders don’t take a holiday
Hope Virgo, author, campaigner and advocate, shares candidly about the extra pressures and difficulties those with eating disorders have to navigate when they travel
OpinionPeople with eating disorders feel like the Church doesn’t care but here’s how they can step up
Mental health campaigner Hope Virgo explains the additional challenges people with eating disorders face in the Church and how we can all do better.
OpinionNetflix's The Crown shows a damaging depiction of Princess Diana's eating disorder - and it could be very triggering
Campaigner Hope Virgo explains why The Crown is a challenge for those who struggle with eating disorders as the show paints a shallow picture of the affliction and reinforced harmful stereotypes.
OpinionTen practical ways to support a child with an eating disorder as they go back to school
As we prepare for term time, parents of children who struggle with their eating will be concerned about the best ways to support their young person. Author and founder of #DumpTheScales campaign, Hope Virgo, shares her ten tips for setting children up for success.
Article‘Being pregnant with an eating disorder can feel like a minefield’
Award-winning mental health advocate, author, speaker and founder of #DumpTheScales, Hope Virgo developed anorexia as a teenager. Here she shares how it impacted her recent pregnancy
OpinionPregnancy poses new problems for those in recovery from eating disorders, but here are some things that help
Author and founder of #DumpTheScales campaign, Hope Virgo, explains that pregnancy doesn’t solve eating disorders and people shouldn’t assume that just because the baby is growing that the mum is mentally well.
OpinionFour things that will help you navigate church well when you have an eating disorder
Feeling at home in a church and taking part in community events and ministry can be extra challenging for those struggling with an eating disorder. Hope Virgo, author and founder of #DumpTheScales, give four tips to help people navigate church well.
OpinionHow your church can support those with eating disorders without completely cutting out food at gatherings
This Eating Disorders Awareness Week, author and campaigner Hope Virgo shares her experience of battling an eating disorder and how churches can be more accessible to those who are sturggling.
OpinionChurches are not exempt from eating disorders and have a responsibility to do more
Campaigner Hope Virgo explains that even if you can’t spot it, there may be people in your church struggling with an eating disorder and this is how to support them.
OpinionTen things I wish the church knew about eating disorders
Those struggling with an eating disorder don’t always get the sensitive response they hope for from the Church, here are the things that we should all know.
OpinionOver-indulgence at Christmas poses big problems for those with an eating disorder, here’s how to protect yourself
With the festive season so tightly associated with eating and drinking, it can be a challenge for those in recovery from or struggling with, an eating disorder. Campaigner Hope Virgo explains what people can do to protect themselves this Christmas.
