Support Groups at First Steps ED

Our Support Groups are a safe place to learn new ways to cope, understand feelings and share experiences. 

Join a Supportive Space for Recovery
Our Support Groups offer a safe and welcoming place to share, listen, and learn, whether you’re struggling with eating difficulties or supporting someone who is.

In these groups, you’ll have the chance to:

  • Understand your thoughts and feelings
  • Learn to spot triggers and respond in healthier ways
  • Build confidence and connection in your recovery journey

You’re not alone. Our groups are here to help you feel supported, heard, and empowered, at every stage of recovery.

Waiting Well 

Our Waiting Well group is designed to help bridge the gap. It offers weekly, free psycho-education sessions for anyone waiting to access one-to-one support from First Steps ED. The group runs every Monday and provides practical tools, guidance, and emotional support to help you manage while you’re waiting for more focused intervention.

Waiting Well is also commissioned by several NHS providers, meaning many patients can access local support through this service while they wait to be seen by a specialist.

Pip’s Place, Next Steps

This group was launched in 2021 to offer peer-led support to anyone affected by eating disorders.

The team offers recovery-focused nutritional guidance and One to One Support and later introduced online support groups for sufferers, and designated groups for family, friends and those supporting someone with an eating disorder.

Find out more about Pip’s Place Next Steps 

Next steps

If you’re ready to take the first step towards recovery, please submit a referral using the button below. If you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0300 1021685 or info@firststepsed.co.uk.

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Referrals can either be made by yourself, by a parent/ carer, or professional support worker. After making a referral, we aim to make contact within 10 workings days.

“It wasn’t until my late 30s that a mental health nurse identified I had an Eating Disorder and referred to First Steps for support. I did not think you can help an ED when you were overweight… First Steps supported me in identifying and accepting I have an ED, which was very hard for me.”

Anonymous

“I wish First Steps had more funding because your service has changed my life and has been the only place I had help because with other services including the NHS I was never eligible or met the right criteria for help.”

Anonymous

“Not sure where I would be without this service. They were the only service who opened their doors when I needed help and didn’t need me to tick any boxes to receive their support. I really hope they keep finding the funds and people they need to keep going and growing.”

Anonymous

“It’s hugely comforting to me to know that in between other appointments I have First Steps groups or 1-2-1s to bridge the gaps. Whilst it’s mainly groups I access most, I have also benefitted from their counselling services, online befriending and hypnotherapy over the years.”

Anonymous

“First Steps made me feel welcome to their charity and made the transition as easy and painless as they could in dealing with the fact that I have an ED. Especially in a society that judges larger or thinner people when they don’t understand what it is like and think EDs are an excuse to eat or not eat and get attention.”

Anonymous

“First Steps’ student service is an absolutely essential service which kept me going this year. NHS services are harder and harder to access and this fills a massive gap”

Anonymous

Referrals can either be made by yourself, by a parent/carer, or professional. After making a referral, we aim to make contact within 10 workings days.

Private practice bookings are £45. All bookings are made in the strictest confidence and available to anyone (over the age of 16) who is currently impacted by any eating disorder, or symptoms of an eating disorder, including an individual sufferer, family member or carer. If you are referring into our private counselling service please let us know in the form.