Eating disorders charity launches plan to expand support

Eating disorders charity First Steps ED has launched an ambitious new strategy to expand support across the UK.

The updated strategy aims to support 4,000 people in the next two years, alongside running national campaigns to raise awareness of eating disorders and to put them on the political agenda.

The Derby-based charity sets out four priorities of education, partnership, growth and internal culture.

It wants to reduce stigma around eating disorders through national awareness campaigns and by building a network of local ambassadors who can share key messages about the conditions and how to seek help.

It is also aiming to push for political change on eating disorders, using its own data and research to propose policies on important topics such as the role of social media in creating body image ideals, and how eating disorders have become more complex in recent years, requiring more tailored therapy.

First Steps ED was established in 2004 to support people with eating disorders in Derby, but it now has staff across the Midlands, Home Counties and other parts of the UK.

The charity’s new strategy sets out plans to expand more fully across the UK, with a focus on hard-to-reach communities.

Daniel Magson, chief executive of First Steps ED, said: “Our charity has grown significantly in recent years.

“We started as a local charity and our dedicated team, who often have lived experience of eating disorders, now provide support nationally – we’ve doubled the number of people we help in the past three years.

“Our ambitious plans are aimed at breaking down stigma associated with eating disorders.

“This is crucial so that people feel more comfortable about taking that first step to seek help and get support early, before the condition becomes severe or even life-threatening.

“Our plans to ensure everyone who needs support is able to access it is only possible thanks to the generous donations we receive – everyone running a race for us or leaving us a gift in their will is making a huge difference to people in Derby and the rest of the UK living with an eating disorder.”

Tilly Wiggins, who received support through First Steps ED, said: “First Steps ED was that glimmer of hope for me at the end of a very dark tunnel.

“There is a gap in the world for specialised care of individuals with eating disorders, they are incredibly complex mental health conditions and cannot be overlooked.

“First Steps ED dedicates its time and resources to investigating the nuances of eating disorders to provide the best care possible for everyone – their service users and those closest to them – but they cannot do that without support.

“I genuinely do not believe I would still be alive without First Steps ED, they saved my life, and I know they have saved the lives of many others.

“Their ability to provide specialised care and one-to-one support with experienced individuals is invaluable.

“First Steps ED goes above and beyond to provide tailored services for all individuals and all eating disorders, and it is imperative this work continues to grow and expand as the prevalence of eating disorders increases.”