A pioneering new NHS-aligned pilot has launched in Hertfordshire to deliver earlier, more personalised support for young people with eating disorders – with Hitchin playing a central role.

The programme is the result of a partnership between digital health company Univa and national charity First Steps ED, and will be embedded directly into primary care – the first point of contact for most families. It is backed by six Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in the county, including Hitchin and Whitwell PCN, meaning local GPs will soon be able to offer the service to families in need.

Eating disorders are among the fastest-growing mental health conditions in the UK. Children and teenagers are most at risk, with hospital admissions for girls aged 11–15 up by 514% in the past decade. The rise is not limited to girls: admissions for boys and young men increased by 128% between 2015 and 2021. Despite this, fewer than half of young people referred to specialist services in 2023 were able to access treatment.

Dr Alison Cowan, GP Clinical Lead for Hertfordshire's Children & Young People's Mental Health System, said the new approach could make a big difference:

"As GPs, we are seeing growing numbers of young people presenting with eating difficulties and the strain this places on families. New models of early intervention such as this which can reach patients sooner, at scale, and in ways that fit around their lives would be a very valuable addition to Hertfordshire eating disorder support."

At the centre of the scheme is the Univa Care Platform, the first digital programme in NHS eating disorder services that supports both the young person and their carer at the same time. Families with children aged 12–18 who are experiencing anorexia symptoms or restrictive eating behaviours will be able to choose between two pathways:

• Digital-first care – immediately available app-based programmes for both the young person and their carer. These include evidence-based modules, daily and weekly check-ins, and progress tracking.
• Blended care – the same digital programmes combined with up to 10 structured clinical sessions from First Steps ED, plus secure messaging with the team.

By providing support instantly and flexibly, the pilot aims to reduce waiting times, prevent escalation to crisis care, and ease the pressure on overstretched NHS services.

Rich Andrews, CEO and Co-Founder of Univa, said: "Primary care is where families turn first, but it has never had a scalable solution for eating disorders. The Univa Care Platform changes that. By giving both young people and carers their own tailored pathways, we are creating a model that is personal, immediate and proven."

Daniel Magson, CEO of First Steps ED, added: "For too long families have faced the agony of waiting for support, knowing every week matters. Eating disorders are often treatable conditions and people can make a full recovery, but early intervention is crucial. By partnering with Univa, we are bringing innovation directly into the community."

The one-year pilot aligns with the NHS Fit for the Future: 10 Year Health Plan, which emphasises prevention, digital innovation and moving more care into the community. If successful, it could provide a blueprint for a new national model of eating disorder care.

Families in Hitchin and across Hertfordshire will now have the chance to access help earlier – ensuring young people and their carers are supported from the very start of their journey.