Welcome to our blog!
We are passionate about offering a service and community which is inclusive, empathic, understanding and non-judgmental. We believe that support should be available for all those affected by eating difficulties and disorders regardless of age, race, gender identity, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
These principles of equality and diversity underpin our person-centred, service user led approach to mental health and a big part of the reason we decided to launch our blog space. Here you’ll find First Steps ED updates, as well as stories and features from our community. We want to give everyone an opportunity to share stories, introduce unheard voices and discuss important topics around mental health and eating disorders.
Triggered: What does it mean?
Triggered: What does it mean? Whilst scrolling through Facebook one evening, I came across a post that jarred me. It’s not unusual for things I see on social media to take me by surprise, but this left me quite irritated - mainly because I knew it
The TwentyTwelve Collection
First Steps ED have partnered with TwentyTwelve on a new charity collection. To support us, please visit the TwentyTwelve website and check out the collection. Love it, wear it, share it #FSEDCharitees You're doing better than you think you are. We've teamed up with
A Family Fundraiser: Giving Back to the Charity that Supported Us
A Family Fundraiser: Giving Back to the Charity that Supported Us What made you decide to fundraise for First Steps ED? We accessed First Steps’ services during lockdown when our eldest daughter was affected by an eating disorder. Being a charity, we were very conscious that
Book Review: Jog On by Bella Mackie
Book Review: Jog On by Bella Mackie This book has been on my reading list since Christmas, alongside Mackie’s other title How to Kill Your Family (which I just finished recently too - amazing btw). Mackie’s books were originally recommended by a friend, after I had mentioned
Exercise and Eating Disorders: Rebuilding a Healthy Relationship with Exercise in Recovery
Exercise and Eating Disorders: Rebuilding a Healthy Relationship with Exercise in Recovery Pre eating disorder I wasn’t someone who really took an interest in going to the gym, I hated doing PE at school and would come up with any excuse I could to not have
The Dangers of MyFitnessPal: When Calorie Counting Takes Control
The Dangers of MyFitnessPal: When Calorie Counting Takes Control Like many others I first began counting calories as way to help and manage weight loss. I had a holiday coming up and just wanted to feel a little more confident. It was not until I started
Better Together: Our Working and Steering Groups.
Better Together: Our Working and Steering Groups. Throughout the year our team will create and lead a number of working groups, designed to identify our strengths and opportunities, as well as recognise what we could be doing better. Groups like these are invaluable to our service
Giving Back: Why We’re Fundraising for First Steps ED
Giving Back: Why We're Fundraising for First Steps ED Esme is a bright, happy and kind little girl, with a passion to ‘save the planet’ and a love of dance. She has always aimed high, both in and out of school, giving 100% commitment to everything
Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Managing Mental Health
Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Managing Mental Health. Before you read: It’s important to talk to your GP or support worker before you introduce any alternative therapies within your recovery plan, as they’ll be able to help you understand any benefits or risks involved. There is
Understanding Self-injury in Children
Understanding Self-injury in Children What is self-injury? Self-injury is where someone injures or hurts themselves on purpose whilst trying to deal with intense, distressing and intrusive thoughts. They may feel numb and hurt themselves in order to feel something, anything. This behaviour can be incredibly worrying
‘There is No Stigma for Support as a Service User at First Steps ED, and I Feel the Same as a Volunteer Too.’
'There is No Stigma for Support as a Service User at First Steps ED, and I Feel the Same as a Volunteer Too.' I began volunteering for First Steps ED during the first COVID-19 lockdown in April. I was coming towards the end of my writing
Finding Mindful Moments
Finding Mindful Moments Mindfulness is often criticised and has been branded as being ‘fluffy’ and ‘hippie-like’. I will hold my hands up here and admit, I was one of those who absolutely hated the idea of mindfulness. Thought it was a load of twaddle. I understand
Write for us!
We are proud to support and offer a platform for individuals who are ready to share their stories and talk about their experiences of recovery. Together we can offer hope to lives affected by eating disorders. If you have something to say, a story to tell or advice to share, you are in the right place.
Get in touch!
