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.
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
‘I Love What I do at First Steps ED! But It Can’t Be Done Without Funding’
'I Love What I do at First Steps ED! But It Can’t Be Done Without Funding' Why did you choose to fundraise for First Steps ED? First Steps ED provides support that I wish I had had access to when struggling with my own eating disorder,
Managing Our Own Wellbeing this Mental Health Awareness Week
Managing Our Own Wellbeing this Mental Health Awareness Week Mental Health Awareness Month Summer is coming, so it’s time for the sun, sun, and more sun! Alongside the summer-y May, we take part in the Mental Health Awareness month, a time to raise the awareness of
Being Fat and Fearful of Recovery… Things Need to Change.
Being Fat and Fearful of Recovery... Things Need to Change. I haven't shared my story before, so apologies for what you are about to read. I guess I wanted to say something because I wish I had heard this over a decade ago, because I think I’d
Anxiety and the Nervous System: What’s Going on Inside My Body?
Anxiety and the Nervous System: What’s going on inside my body? Do you sometimes feel anxious or panicky, and wish you knew why? Keep reading for an explanation of how our bodies process stress and some useful strategies on how to quickly calm yourself down. You
When Stress Causes Disordered Eating…
When Stress Causes Disordered Eating… They often go hand in hand, stress and eating disorders. When I reflect on some of the hardest times I've endured living with an eating difficulty, it has always correlated with times of higher stress. School exams, starting new jobs, being
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!
