Support Groups at First Steps ED

Our Support Groups are a safe place to learn new ways to cope, understand feelings and share experiences. 

What are Support Groups?

Our online Support Groups are safe, welcoming spaces where you can connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Led by peers with lived experience, these groups offer a chance to share, listen, and feel truly supported.  Each group has been developed with input from our service users and their families to make sure the support is compassionate, relevant, and helpful, no matter where you are on your recovery journey.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been in recovery for a while, our groups can help you:

  • Feel less alone
  • Learn new strategies and insights
  • Stay motivated and on track
  • Understand your thoughts and feelings
  • Learn to spot triggers and respond in healthier ways
  • Build confidence and connection in your recovery journey

You’re not alone and you don’t have to face this journey by yourself.

How do Support Groups work?

We currently run two online support groups, Waiting Well and Pip’s Place: Next Steps. Both designed to offer a safe, supportive space for anyone affected by eating difficulties.

  • Small & Supportive: Our groups are kept small to make sure everyone feels heard and supported.
  • Drop-In Format: There’s no pressure to attend every session. Join when it feels right for you.
  • Safe & Confidential: Each group is a non-judgmental space, led by trained facilitators with lived experience or professional expertise.
  • Peer-Led & Person-Centred: Our sessions focus on shared experiences, practical coping strategies, and compassionate encouragement, wherever you are in your journey.

Whether you’re waiting for treatment or working on your recovery, there’s a place for you here.

Waiting Well

We know that waiting for One to One support can be tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our free Waiting Well group runs every Monday and is fully funded across the UK . It’s here to help bridge the gap. These friendly, weekly sessions offer practical tools, guidance, and emotional support to help you manage while you wait for more focused care.

Whether you’re waiting for support from First Steps ED or another service, Waiting Well is a space to feel heard, supported, and better equipped to cope. The group is also commissioned by several NHS providers, so many people can access this support locally while waiting to be seen by a specialist.

This group was launched in 2021 to offer peer-led support to anyone affected by eating disorders. It is fully funded across the UK. The team offers 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.

Find out more about Pip’s Place Next Steps  

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.

“It wasn’t until my late 30s that a mental health nurse identified I had an Eating Disorder and referred to First Steps for support. I did not think you can help an ED when you were overweight… First Steps supported me in identifying and accepting I have an ED, which was very hard for me.”

Anonymous

“I wish First Steps had more funding because your service has changed my life and has been the only place I had help because with other services including the NHS I was never eligible or met the right criteria for help.”

Anonymous

“Not sure where I would be without this service. They were the only service who opened their doors when I needed help and didn’t need me to tick any boxes to receive their support. I really hope they keep finding the funds and people they need to keep going and growing.”

Anonymous

“It’s hugely comforting to me to know that in between other appointments I have First Steps groups or 1-2-1s to bridge the gaps. Whilst it’s mainly groups I access most, I have also benefitted from their counselling services, online befriending and hypnotherapy over the years.”

Anonymous

“First Steps made me feel welcome to their charity and made the transition as easy and painless as they could in dealing with the fact that I have an ED. Especially in a society that judges larger or thinner people when they don’t understand what it is like and think EDs are an excuse to eat or not eat and get attention.”

Anonymous

“First Steps’ student service is an absolutely essential service which kept me going this year. NHS services are harder and harder to access and this fills a massive gap”

Anonymous

Referrals can either be made by yourself, by a parent/carer, or professional. After making a referral, we aim to make contact within 10 workings days.

Private practice bookings are £45. All bookings are made in the strictest confidence and available to anyone (over the age of 16) who is currently impacted by any eating disorder, or symptoms of an eating disorder, including an individual sufferer, family member or carer. If you are referring into our private counselling service please let us know in the form.