Eating Disorders in Student Services (EDISS)

EDISS (Eating Disorders Support for Students) is a specialist support service tailored to the unique challenges of student life.

What is EDISS (Eating Disorders Support for Students)? 

University life can be exciting, but also overwhelming. If you’re finding things difficult around food, body image, or how you’re feeling about yourself, you’re not alone.

EDISS is here for you.
Our student-focused support service is designed to help you navigate eating difficulties, whether it’s something new or something you’ve been managing for a while. You don’t need a diagnosis to access support, just a willingness to reach out.

We offer:

  • One to One Specialist Support
  • Supportive group sessions
  • Our award-winning Befriending Service

EDISS offers flexible, person-centred support in a safe and understanding space where you can talk, reflect, and take positive steps at your own pace.

How does EDISS work?

Students can access up to six sessions of compassionate, One to One Support, tailored to the unique challenges of student life.

Our approach is rooted in CBT-T (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Ten), combining proven, evidence-based techniques with a flexible, person-centred style. We know that everyone’s experience is different, so we shape our support around your individual needs.

Support is delivered by our team of trained Specialist Support Officers in a safe, non-judgmental space,where you can explore emotions, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and work towards your recovery goals at your own pace.

Who is EDISS suitable for? 

EDISS One to One Specialist Support is open to Lincoln university students who are struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, or related mental health challenges and Lincoln Alumni up to three years post-graduation.
Our EDISS Support group is open to all students aged 18+ from any UK university, whether full-time, part-time, or distance learners.
For those universities or colleges that partner with us, we can provide support to staff members and alumni students up to 3 years following completion of their degree. In the case of supporting members of staff, EDISS will assess each case on an individual basis. Support for university staff and employees includes training in eating disorders where we are able to offer our CPD accredited Skills for Eating Disorder Support training modules and, on request, our experienced staff are delighted to contribute to student university lectures.

This service has benefitted me in a positive way, and for the first time in a long time I have felt heard and understood about my issues regarding food and body image. Alongside this, my family and friends around me have expressed that they can see a positive change in me.

Student Service User, First Steps ED

EDISS is free for all University of Lincoln students. If you’re studying at a different university, you can still access our One to One support by self-funding sessions at £45 each.

Our EDISS Support Group is free and open to all students, regardless of where you study.

If you want to speak to us call us: 0300 1021685|info@firststepsed.co.uk

One to One sessions are available face-to-face or online at Lincoln University, depending on your preference.

Our EDISS support group is accessible online.

You don’t need a diagnosis or professional referral to access support, just a readiness to take the first step.

Support is Non-Clinical and Compassionate
Our One to One Support is non-clinical and focuses on exploring thoughts, feelings and emotions, goal setting, and empowerment. It is a safe space to be heard and reassured.

Our Work is Guided by Experience
Many of our Specialist Support Officers have lived experience of eating disorders or related challenges. They bring empathy, understanding, and practical insight to every session.

We are Structured, Yet Flexible
Support follows a CBT-T (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Ten) style approach with weekly goals, but sessions are always shaped around the individual’s needs and pace.

We Provide a Safe Space to Share
Sessions offer a safe and confidential environment to talk about experiences, feelings, and challenges. This is your time to be heard and supported.

We Focus on Empowerment
The aim is to help individuals build coping strategies, improve their mental health and wellbeing, and foster a more positive relationship with their body and food.

Important:  Please note that First Steps ED services are for people with mild to moderate eating disorder and comorbid mental health issues. We do not provide a crisis or emergency service.  If you need help for a mental health crisis or emergency, please visit the NHS website , contact your GP or for immediate assistance call 999.

Next steps

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 contact us on 0300 1021685 or info@firststepsed.co.uk.

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.

Don’t worry if you’re not yet ready to work with us in a one-to-one setting, take a look at our online self-guided resource that you can work through in your own time.

Bring EDISS to Your University or College

If you’d like to explore how EDISS can support your campus community, or are interested in commissioning the service at your institution, we’d love to hear from you.

📞 Call us: 0300 102 1685
📧 Email: info@firststepsed.co.uk

Let’s work together to make sure every student has access to the support they need.

“My Specialist Support Officer has been absolutely brilliant. He has been incredibly supportive and has helped me through some very testing times. He has given me multiple, useful, and sustainable strategies to help combat my eating disorder. I’d like to thank him from the bottom of my heart for everything he has done for me.”

Service User, First Steps ED

“This service has made an incredible difference to my recovery. The management report that I received was fantastic, and it gave me a space to speak openly, honestly, and freely. Honestly, the experience has changed my life, and I am incredibly grateful for the support that I have received from First Steps.”

Service User, First Steps ED

“I don’t find myself ruminating on things anymore, which is fantastic. Thank you for all of your help, I find myself going back to our conversations whenever I need to remind myself of what’s really important. You really helped me a lot and I feel my quality of life is so much better because of it, I’m confident you are doing the same for others too.”

Service User, First Steps ED

“It’s a valuable resource for support in a comfortable, non pressurising environment, giving me something to come away with, advice to think about and apply into practice.”

Service User, First Steps ED

“It made me realise that other people are experiencing the same as me which made me feel not alone and seeing others also try to recover motivated me to do the same.”

Service User, First Steps ED

“I really like how people interact in the chat and I am able to relate to things other people are struggling with. It makes me feel less alone.”

Service User, First Steps ED

“I thoroughly enjoy the sessions and find them extremely helpful – it makes me feel less alone in all of this.”

Service User, First Steps ED
“It’s provided a constant reminder and push to keep being active in recovery and it makes me feel less alone when I’m struggling.”
Service User, First Steps ED