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 Impact of Eating Disorders on Fertility
The Impact of Eating Disorders on Fertility From bulimia to binge eating, around 1.25 million British people have an eating disorder (ED). Despite its prevalence, it’s still one of the most misunderstood diseases in the world, with stereotypes and stigmas causing plenty of confusion. Did you
Nurturing them Mental Health of the Next Generation
Nurturing the Mental Health of the Next Generation Can you introduce yourself for our blog? Hi, I’m Vedica – I’m a Mental Health advocate, a trained Mental Health First Aider and suicide gatekeeper. I am very passionate about the cause of Mental Health and in this effect,
BBC Radio Derby for Children’s Mental Health Week!
BBC Radio Derby for Children's Mental Health Week! Tune in to BBC Radio Derby and hear how First Steps ED support children and young people throughout Derbyshire! [Original broadcast: BBC Radio Derby 09/02/2023 with Sally Pepper, Charlotte Peacock and Kevin Parkinson]
Nature Connection and How it Benefits Mental Health
'Nature Connection' and How it Benefits Mental Health The natural world. Something which encircles us daily and is often within touching distance, walking distance or directly within our line of sight. Something so beautiful that many of us take for granted and perhaps don’t wholeheartedly appreciate.
Social Media Showing Us How People Should Look Right? Wrong!
Social Media Showing Us How People Should Look Right? Wrong! These constant pictures and videos making people think they should look a certain way, when the reality is we are all different and the way you look is the least interesting thing about you. As a
My Take on Children’s Mental Health Week
My Take on Children's Mental Health Week It feels wrong to say, happy children’s mental health week, because really there is very little to celebrate. There is no momentous occasion to mask the fact that young minds go through so much in so many different ways.
Real Bodies in Herts
Real Bodies in Herts Just Talk want Hertfordshire’s young people to recognise that we all have different bodies – and that’s okay! That’s why we’re supporting the ‘Real Bodies in Herts’. This positive body image campaign features real young people from Hertfordshire speaking about their own
A Poem for Recovery
A Poem for Recovery I have suffered from an eating disorder for the past nine years and choosing recovery over the last two years was what I thought to be the hardest thing I have ever done - though it turned out to be a whole lot
Dear Anorexia pt. 2
Dear Anorexia pt. 2 You'll never leave me Will you? I can try and silence your voice Challenge your logic Find my fight But you'll always be there My shadow In my shadow I'll be bigger than you The bigger person The louder voice
Dear Anorexia pt. 1
Dear Anorexia pt. 1 Dear anorexia My friend, my good friend My rock and my stability When I can't see a soloution You're always there to guide me A hand on my shoulder blades Giving me direction You give me feeling When I feel empty Give
Perfectionism: My Brains Ultimate Defence Mechanism
Perfectionism: My Brains Ultimate Defence Mechanism How do I become perfect? What does it take to be the best at everything? It takes everything you’ve got, and more. Perfection is UNACHIEVABLE. As difficult as it may be to hear you can never be perfect, never be
We Need To Talk…
We Need To Talk... Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation, encouraging us all to come together to talk, listen, and change lives. Simply being there and available for someone to reach out to is enough to make an impact. Offering someone
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!
