We aim to empower you to be in control of your recovery through one-to-one professional and group support and inclusion in positive activities.

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 visit our contact page and speak to a member of our team. 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.

Who shouldn’t have a referral?

Children under the age of 5 are not appropriate for First Steps ED services, or people with feeding problems such as diagnosed phobias or PICA.

If you think you or your child may be struggling with something like this then it is recommended that you visit your GP. More information can be found on the NHS website.

Before you make a referral, or whilst you wait for an initial assessment we advise you to make an appointment with your general practitioner (GP).

Your GP can play an important part in identifying your eating disorder and refer you for treatment to a NHS specialist eating disorder service. If your GP doesn’t refer you, keep trying and ask to see a different GP. What you are feeling is valid so please don’t see this as a sign that you don’t deserve treatment.

Beat has put together their GP Leaflet (First Steps), a resource for anyone visiting the GP for the first time, designed to help someone get a referral from their GP to an eating disorders specialist.

Once you have made your referral the team will aim to get back to you within 10 days where you will be invited to a one-to-one informal discussion. You do not need to call us during this time, we will get back to you as soon as we can.

We will make an assessment and recommend an individualised care plan with you, as well as signposting to other agencies, where appropriate.

Please note: we are not a clinical service so please do make an appointment to see your GP whilst you wait to hear from us.

Make a Referral