'She devotes herself to giving the best possible treatment' | Meet November's Health Hero

27 November 2025

Julia Stone, a High Intensity Specialist Therapist in the Eating Disorder Service, has been named November’s Health Hero in recognition of her outstanding dedication and care for patients.

Julia has been part of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board since 2002. She originally trained in London as a Mental Health Nurse, starting her career in an Eating Disorders Service.

After moving to Cardiff, Julia worked in various mental health roles before returning four years ago to her passion - the Eating Disorder Service. Today, she manages a caseload of clients, seeing them for between 10 and 40 sessions, and also runs compassion-focused therapy groups.

“A lot of the work is interpersonal,” Julia explained. “It’s about building up the relationship so you can support someone in making the changes that they need to. If someone has to increase their BMI by a certain amount, that can take quite a long time to do. So you are seeing them throughout that process.”

“An eating disorder can be all-consuming, taking over someone’s whole life. Seeing people regain their life is absolutely phenomenal. And having people put their trust in you and, telling you about their life, is always a privilege.”

Julia was nominated by a client, who wrote: "Julia has gone above and beyond to support me in my mental health journey. Every move forward has been made with extra care. Julia has been a lifeline! If it were not for Julia, I'm not sure I would even be here.

"She takes her job seriously and it seems she devotes herself to giving the best possible treatment to her patients. I think I would go as far as to say that Julia has helped make my life feel worth living.

“Additionally, Julia has been so understanding of my Autism. She has taken new approaches and made various accommodations to help support me as an autistic individual. I have never felt judged or pressured in my treatment. We have always worked at a pace that is suitable, and Julia is always trying to understand autism more. If anyone deserves an award, it is definitely Julia Stone.”

Responding to the nomination, Julia said: “It was really moving. The fact that even with so much else going on, she still felt that was really important to do. Knowing someone has appreciated the contact you've had with them is quite amazing. “

Julia chose to be photographed as Health Hero with her team. “It's an incredibly compassionate and supportive team, who are always kind. The whole team works so hard to keep doing the best that they can.”

Health Hero is kindly sponsored by Park Plaza Cardiff. As November’s Health Hero, Julia will receive a Sunday Lunch for Two.

Do you know a staff member who has gone above and beyond to provide outstanding care? Say thank you by nominating them as a Health Hero!