Together we recover.

We continue to listen to our service users and their families who help us to coproduce new services which reflect their needs. Our  support groups are designed to offer attendees new skills, information and insight in challenging negative behaviours, identifying triggers and establishing new strategies and coping mechanisms in recovery. Our support groups can be a lifeline for those struggling with eating difficulties.

‘Waiting Well’ Group

Designed to combat growing wait times for eating disorder services, Waiting Well offers weekly psycho-education to those awaiting our one-to-one support.

This group runs every Monday and is free to attend. It is also commission by a number of NHS providers to ensure patients can access support in their local areas whilst they await focused intervention from an ED specialist.

Pip’s Place Next Steps

…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.

Find out more about Pip’s Place Next Steps 

“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
MAKE A REFERRAL HERE

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.