Accredited Eating Disorders CPD Training for Professionals

Our CPD-accredited training courses are designed to enhance awareness and understanding of eating disorders and disordered eating across a range of professional settings. Whether you’re a student, educator, healthcare provider, or working with vulnerable adults or children, our courses will equip you with the tools to recognise early signs and respond confidently.

These foundation-level courses are ideal for anyone who may encounter individuals at risk of developing unhealthy relationships with food, body image, or self-esteem. Whilst they may not train you in a specific diagnosis, the training will equip you with the information and skills to spot the signs and take an evidence-based approach to support someone at risk of eating difficulties and eating disorders.

Our CPD training is designed for individuals to complete at their own pace. If you’re interested in a group booking or organisation-wide access, please contact us at info@firststepsed.co.uk for prices and more information.

NEW Working with ARFID – £60

This CPD-accredited interactive workshop by First Steps ED explores the topic of “fussy eating” and introduces the eating disorder Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the causes and symptoms of ARFID, learn practical strategies to support individuals with selective eating challenges, and explore the crucial role of the home environment in treatment.

Introduction to Eating Disorders – £60

Whilst eating disorders are complex, understanding the clinical presentations can help promote early interventions and prevention, which is why our ‘Introduction to Eating Disorders’ CPD-accredited training was developed. This foundation course offers delegates a greater understanding of eating disorders, the signs and symptoms to look out for, as well as an insight into recovery.

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Body Image and Perception- £60

Our ‘Body Image and Perception’ CPD accredited training offers delegates a deeper understanding of the relationship an individual has with their body and how that relationship can impact them throughout their lifetime. Together we will discuss the risk factors of developing a negative body image and supporting strategies that can be implemented to offer support in any sector and setting.

Eating Disorders in Boys and Men – £60

Our ‘Eating Disorders in Boys and Men’ is an animated training workshop originally developed by the University of Nottingham, Kings College London and First Steps ED. The aim was to raise the profile about eating disorders in boys and men and improve understanding of and care for this patient group, as well as reflect upon aspects of primary care to make everyday practice easier for both professionals and sufferer.

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Eating Disorders and Exercise Addiction – £60

Compulsive Exercise may be defined as exercise that significantly interferes with important activities, occurs at inappropriate times or settings, or continued exercise despite injury or medical complications (Lichtenstein et al. 2017). It is a symptom common across many eating disorders, where individuals may use excessive exercise to control their body weight or compensate for binge-eating episodes, whilst others use compulsive exercise to achieve further weight loss.

Nutrition and Mood – £60

Explore what is meant by ‘normal eating’ and the principles of healthy eating. Understand the function of food and the roles of the macro-nutrients in physical and mental health. Consider nutrition in the context of eating disorders. To develop support tools and strategies that you can use with eating disorder clients.

Our team.

Our team understands what it takes to support someone struggling with an eating disorder, and it all starts with the right knowledge and training. We believe in early intervention and trust that better education around disordered eating behaviours can play an important role in protecting those who are at risk of developing an eating disorder, as well as offer effective support to those who are struggling with their relationship with food.

Each one of our trainers have experience in delivering our CPD modules both online and in-person, providing confidence in organisations and individuals who choose our ‘Skills for Eating Disorder Support’ training programme.

Flexible online learning

Delivered online
Each module is 90 minutes
Delivered by our experienced and trained professionals
Includes real-life insights, practical advice, and interactive learning

Who is it for?

University students
School staff and wellbeing leads
Health and social care professionals
Youth workers and counsellors
Anyone looking to support individuals affected by eating difficulties

I liked that we had the opportunity to ask questions, and the slides and presenter were very informative. Great videos, which I will be looking into, as well as the other resources mentioned. Really enjoyed the course, the pace and trainer knowledge.

CPD Delegate, Eating Disorders in Boys and Men

The training really met our needs, opened our minds and all the volunteers would like to engage in further training.

The She Will FYE Team , Body Image and Perception

I liked the trainer’s open and friendly attitude. I was a little nervous to attend as it was my first online training with First Steps and soon felt comfortable and at ease to participate – her approach felt non judgemental and accessible. A good, broad range of topics covered. Thought – provoking. A nice mix of being talked to; then interaction with trainer and peers; videos etc. I am definitely taking away some great tools for myself and to bring to the work I do with students. Many thanks.

CPD Delegate, Body Image and Perception

The training was given by someone with fantastic knowledge of the topic, and it was really insightful hearing their first hand experience of eating disorders. It was really interesting learning about compulsive exercise/exercise addiction, steroid abuse and eating disorders within the fitness world as this is something I’ve not learnt about before. It tackled some very important issues.

First Steps Befriender, Eating Disorders and Exercise Addiction

The training sessions gave me a better understanding of copying mechanisms and how to support parents/families dealing with eating disorders. As well as this I was able to build my knowledge on communication techniques with the service user such as; reflection, listening openly and also understanding it is okay to get clarification if needed to. I also learnt about the different behavioural and psychological effects of an eating disorder that a service user may experience and also learnt about the ‘Cycle of Change’ and the different stages of the cycle. Overall I throughly enjoyed the training and I felt it was very informative.

CPD Delegate, All Ages and Genders

It was eye opening to receive as much information as we did about the concept of eating disorders, and extremely useful to be given the knowledge of how to talk to someone who is suffering from one. I was really happy with the structure and both organisers were welcoming and a pleasure to listen to! I was amazed at many different types of eating disorders are out there! And just how much each of these eating disorders can have a damaging effect on 1000’s of peoples lives.

CPD Delegate, All Ages and Genders