Public inquiry

Claire Carter, 21, is a young ambassador for Beat, formerly the Eating Disorders Association

This is Eating Disorders Week. What do you hope it will get across to people?

The main message is to get across that [anorexia and bulimia] can be beaten with the right support and education. By that I mean in all kinds of areas: schools, the media, wider society.

What does being a young ambassador for Beat involve?

As someone who has had an illness, I talk about it to young people, and anyone else, from experience.

What persuaded you to become involved?

I went to university and was still pretty sick, then I came across the Beat website. I joined its forum, which really is excellent, and saw an advert for ambassadors. I just felt it would be a really helpful thing to do.

How have anorexia and bulimia affected your life?

In so many ways. Until now, I was terrified of a lot of normal things, such as sex. When you are really ill it's like being on really strong dope. You are totally spaced out. You have no energy for anything.

What has been hardest?

It was going to university and realising that I was terrified of the normal things everyone else was doing.

What has been the impact of your illness on your family and friends?

It has been really difficult and stressful. Families of anorexics often just don't know what is going on. My brother found it particularly hard to deal with.

You are doing a degree in creative writing. Does your condition get in the way?

Hugely, unfortunately. It can be hard to concentrate. But many people with anorexia are determined and ambitious and still do very well.

What advice would you give to someone in the early stages of an eating disorder?

A common thing with anorexia is you don't let people in. I would say, let people in.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

A lot of acting, writing and sport.

What would you change about Britain?

Attitudes to immigration.

Do you have a favourite film or book?

Braveheart, a silly epic, I know. And Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert Pirsig.

· The Beat helpline is on 0845 6341414;