Pips Place: The Story So Far
Pip McManus sadly took her own life in 2015 when she was just 15 years old. She had spent her last three years fighting anorexia nervosa, malnutrition, depression and self-harm.
Pip’s dream was to support those suffering from similar conditions, and whenever she felt able she would find ways to help. It was because of this work that Pip’s family founded Pip’s Place, supported by Talk ED.
One in five deaths of people with anorexia nervosa are due to suicide. There are also very high rates of self-harm and comorbid depression across all eating disorder diagnoses.
Pips Place Online
…was launched in 2021 to offer peer-led support to anyone affected by eating disorders. The team offered 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.
“It’s the first time I’ve spoken openly about this. I’m so glad I found your support as it’s been really helpful.”
Jim and Marie Mcmanus set up the Pip Foundation with the dream that “no-one else has to go through what Pip, and our family and friends went through.”
Each year the family and lots of wonderful supporters raise money to provide vital services and support for those affected by these totally devastating illnesses. Thanks to your incredible generosity, hundreds of people have already benefitted from Pip’s Place Online since May 2021. With your help, Pip’s memory and legacy will live on.
“We don’t want Pip’s life and suffering to have been in vain. Whenever she was able, she tried to help others suffering from similar conditions and we are hoping to continue her good work through Pip’s Place Online.”
– Marie Mcmanus
Pips Place: Next Steps
In 2023, First Steps ED and Talk ED joined forces to tackle eating disorders on a national scale.
Support groups often play a key role in eating disorder recovery, but many groups focus on early intervention and navigating early stages of recovery. That’s why we’ve created a brand new service to continue Pip’s legacy. Next Steps is a Guided Self-help group offering professional support to people with Long Standing Eating Disorders, and provides hope for those who have been stepped-down or discharged from specialist clinical care.
Next Steps will provide a space where everyone in session has a common experience, facilitated by those who have been there. Our aim is to fill a gap in care provision for eating disorders and provide an accessible online space for those looking for support, accountability and community.
“Thank you for the workshop yesterday. I’ve suffered with my eating disorder for a long time and your session really resonated with me and was so incredibly helpful.”
Here for you…
Each group is led by a trained volunteer with lived experience, supported by one of our trained specialist support officers who are experienced in supporting people and families with a wide range of eating difficulties and disorders.
The group is available to all ages and runs every Tuesday from 5-6pm.
