First Steps ED

First Steps ED Supporting every step of your eating disorder journey.

First Steps ED is an Eating Disorder Support & Recovery Charity that
offers early help, therapy, and lived experience support for children,
young people, and adults across the U.K.

Every number tells a story. đź’›In April, we continued supporting people experiencing complex eating difficulties with care...
29/05/2026

Every number tells a story. đź’›

In April, we continued supporting people experiencing complex eating difficulties with care tailored to their individual needs. From reducing ARFID eating behaviours to helping people manage wider eating difficulties, these outcomes reflect the difference compassionate, specialist support can make.

If you or someone you know could benefit from support, take the first step and make a referral today https://firststepsed.co.uk/make-a-referral/

Tonight on ITV Regional News đź“şOur psychotherapist Cleo will be appearing alongside Rachael Taylor, mum of Ellie, to high...
26/05/2026

Tonight on ITV Regional News đź“ş

Our psychotherapist Cleo will be appearing alongside Rachael Taylor, mum of Ellie, to highlight the urgent importance of eating disorder mortality awareness and the need for more accurate recording of eating disorder-related deaths.

Despite the devastating impact eating disorders can have, no eating disorder deaths were officially recorded in the UK in 2024, raising serious concerns about whether the true picture is being captured.

Rachael will bravely share Ellie’s story and speak about the ongoing wait for her daughter’s death certificate, and the concern that eating disorders are too often overlooked in recorded causes of death.

đź•’ Tune in to ITV Regional News tonight.

The government wants to transform mental health support in England, improving prevention and early intervention through ...
21/05/2026

The government wants to transform mental health support in England, improving prevention and early intervention through an ambitious new strategy.đź“Ł

Prevention of and early intervention support for eating disorders and eating distress, wherever and whenever people need it; that’s why we are teaming up with other eating disorder charities to ensure there are no future gaps in support.

As an alliance of regional agencies with years of experience supporting people with eating disorders, we're ready to help shape this crucial strategy.

Together in partnership with others to make sure support for all eating disorders across England is high on the government's agenda.

Watch this space as we will be reaching out for your voice along the way. 🩵

📢 We’ve responded to the Government’s consultation on children’s online safetyFirst Steps ED has submitted our response ...
20/05/2026

📢 We’ve responded to the Government’s consultation on children’s online safety

First Steps ED has submitted our response to “Growing up in the online world: a national consultation.” Our position is that stronger protections are urgently needed for young people online. We support a minimum age of 16 for social media access as an immediate protective measure, while recognising this is not a complete solution.

We believe the longer-term priority must be tackling the systems that drive harm, particularly the role of algorithms in amplifying harmful body image, diet culture and pro-eating-disorder content.

A safer online world for young people requires action on multiple fronts, including:
✔️ Safer platform design and algorithm reform
✔️ Robust age assurance
✔️ Digital and media literacy education
✔️ Investment in specialist support services

We know this is a complex issue with a range of views, and we welcome respectful discussion as part of efforts to create safer digital spaces for children and young people.

Last month, Skye Frost took on an inspiring challenge, aiming to cycle 600km in 30 days. Skye didn’t just hit her target...
14/05/2026

Last month, Skye Frost took on an inspiring challenge, aiming to cycle 600km in 30 days. Skye didn’t just hit her target, she smashed it, reaching 700km and raising £1,010 for First Steps! 🚴‍♀️

“I wanted to fundraise in memory of my close friend Ellie who passed away last August after a long battle with an eating disorder. She is so missed. I chose to support First Steps ED because I think their focus on early intervention and accessible support is so important.”

Thank you so much for your incredible support, Skye! đź’™

If you’d like to get involved and take on a challenge for First Steps, visit our website to explore events happening across the UK - or like Skye, you can create your own challenge: https://firststepsed.co.uk/get-involved/challenge/

đź’™ Could you spare a minute to nominate us?First Steps ED is in the running for a ÂŁ5,000 Movement for Good Health & Wellb...
13/05/2026

đź’™ Could you spare a minute to nominate us?

First Steps ED is in the running for a £5,000 Movement for Good Health & Wellbeing award, and we’d be so grateful for your support.
It only takes a minute to nominate, and if successful, this funding would help us continue supporting children, young people, adults and families affected by eating disorders and disordered eating.

When searching, please enter: First Steps ED

Nominations are open until Sunday 24 May 2026.

Please share with friends, family and your wider networks too, the more nominations we receive, the better our chance đź’™

Nominate us here:
https://movementforgood.com/draws/special/health-wellbeing

We’re currently looking for volunteers with lived experience, carer experience, or professional experience of Avoidant/R...
12/05/2026

We’re currently looking for volunteers with lived experience, carer experience, or professional experience of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder to support our ARFID workshops for children & young people or adults.

ARFID is an eating disorder that goes beyond “fussy eating” and can impact nutrition, physical health, emotional well-being, and everyday life. Experiences of ARFID can vary widely, and hearing from people with a real understanding can make a huge difference to those accessing support.

This volunteering opportunity would involve co-facilitating workshops alongside the First Steps ED team in a supportive environment.

Interested? Complete our registration of interest form https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=91QOEyEIakuiT4Z2HWniwnn95-gk_WFIqUsHXM9S5n5UOTBDTk5VRzNJNTQxVk9CM0xYRDU2TU9LQS4u

It's Mental Health Awareness Week 💚This year’s theme is Action. Awareness matters, but real change happens when we take ...
11/05/2026

It's Mental Health Awareness Week đź’š

This year’s theme is Action. Awareness matters, but real change happens when we take small, meaningful steps.

Taking action can look different for everyone:
đź’š For yourself: doing one small thing to support your mental health today
🤝 For someone else: showing up, listening, and offering support
🌍 For all of us: pushing for better understanding, better access, and better care

No action is too small. Every step counts towards a future where fewer people reach crisis point and more people get the support they need, sooner.

What action will you take today? đź’­

06/05/2026

A special message from Karen England 🎶

Get ready for an unforgettable evening as the OperaBabes take to the stage at Derby Cathedral on Friday 19th June - all in support of First Steps ED đź’›

This incredible night of music isn’t just a performance; it’s a chance to come together, raise awareness, and help fund life-changing support for those affected by eating disorders.

đź“Ť Derby Cathedral
🕢 7:30 PM – 9:45 PM

Don’t miss out and get your tickets now before they're gone! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/youll-never-walk-alone-operababes-charity-concert-tickets-1984775625324

Address

Woburn House, Vernongate
Derby
DE11UL

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+443001021685

Website

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/9QcGTSNAGy

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