Eating disorders charity reports significant increase in referrals

First Steps ED has reported a significant surge in demand for eating disorder support services in the past year.

The Derby-based charity’s latest annual report for 2024/25 shows it received 1,339 adult referrals, representing a 57% increase compared with 852 referrals the previous year.

According to First Steps ED, this sharp rise in adult cases has been the main reason behind the overall growth in service demand.

The charity’s annual figures also support national data to show the substantial overlap between neurodivergent conditions and eating disorders.

Data gathered by First Steps ED for the first time shows that 35.9% of service users are neurodivergent, highlighting the critical importance of tailored support for this population.

Current research estimates between 4% to 23% of people with eating disorders also have autism.

Holly Whitehead, all ages services director at First Steps ED, said: “The increase in referrals we’re seeing reflect a few factors – our success in expanding our contracts nationally and increased awareness of our charity, but also a worrying increase in demand for eating disorder support, have all contributed to our referrals increasing.

“The 32% increase in referrals – up from 10% last year – demonstrates that more people than ever are seeking help for eating disorders, and the rate of growth is accelerating.

“The rise in adult referrals and the significant proportion of our service users who are neurodivergent reinforce the need for specialist, informed support that recognises the complexity of eating disorders and their intersection with other conditions.”

The report’s publication coincided with a recent visit by local MPs Baggy Shanker (Derby South) and Catherine Atkinson (Derby North) to the First Steps ED offices in Derby.

The MPs heard from senior staff, met the wider First Steps ED team and heard first-hand the impact the charity has had from service users.

Daniel Magson, chief executive of First Steps ED, said: “These figures demonstrate the clear impact of our work, and I’m proud that our efforts in reaching out to marginalised communities – which were focused on South Asian communities last year – have encouraged people to come forward for support.

“But these statistics also remind us of the gaps that remain – particularly in reaching male service users, who still represent only 20% of referrals despite accounting for 25% of those affected.

“We’re committed to continue breaking down barriers to ensure everyone who needs help can access it, and to reach even more people who need support next year.”