First Steps ED

19/06/2026

We're proud to launch our brand-new FREE downloadable resource for professionals - Delivering Tailored Therapy for LGBTQIA+ People with Eating Disorders 🌈

Designed to support practitioners working with LGBTQIA+ individuals experiencing eating disorders, this practical, evidence-informed guide explores how to deliver more affirming, inclusive, and person-centred care.

Inside, you'll find:
The six core principles of LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy
Current research and clinical guidance
Exclusive lived experience video clips sharing real insights from LGBTQIA+ individuals and their experiences of eating disorder support

📥 Download your free copy today and share it with your colleagues, teams, and networks to help spread awareness and support more inclusive eating disorder care: https://firststepsed.co.uk/blog/delivering-tailored-therapy-for-lgbtqia-people-with-eating-disorders/

🌈

17/06/2026

🎶 The countdown is on! 🎶

We’re just days away from our “You’ll Never Walk Alone” OperaBabes Charity Concert this Friday, 19th June, and we can’t wait to welcome you for a special evening of music in support of First Steps ED.

Tickets are still available, but they’re going fast — don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable night of live performance and community.

• Date: Friday 19 June
• Time: 7:30 PM – 9:45 PM
• Location: Derby Cathedral, Derby, England

🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/youll-never-walk-alone-operababes-charity-concert-tickets-1984775625324,

15/06/2026

While views on a ban for under-16s are mixed, many families affected by eating disorders are already seeing real harm from social media, particularly around body image and diet content.

We’ve seen a 32% rise in referrals in the past year, with most therapists reporting social media as a contributing factor.

Our CEO, Daniel Magson, explains that while a minimum age of 16 isn’t a complete solution, it could offer urgent protection while longer-term changes to platform algorithms are addressed. We continue to call for stronger action on harmful content, platform regulation, and digital literacy support.

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.

Read more: https://firststepsed.co.uk/blog/the-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-could-be-a-significant-route-for-tackling-the-eating-disorders-epidemic/

15/06/2026

This Pride Month, we’re coming together with our friends at Tellmi to amplify the voices of LGBTQIA+ young people in a space that centres lived experience, honesty, and peer support.

We asked:
“What’s something you’d want another LGBTQIA+ young person to know this Pride Month?”

Thank you to everyone who contributed their voice! Your words may help someone else feel seen, supported, and less alone.

12/06/2026

The Story of First Steps 🩵

We’re so excited to share a special conversation between our founder, Cathy, and First Steps ED Psychotherapist, Cleo.

Together, they reflect on how First Steps ED began, the journey so far, and the hopes that continue to shape our work supporting people affected by eating disorders.

🎥 Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5v_QT8-dPQ

10/06/2026

This powerful blog shares one family’s journey through two years of hospital care, uncertainty, setbacks, and ultimately, recovery and return home.

For parents and carers, it’s a reminder that even in the most difficult moments, change is possible.

Read the full blog here: https://firststepsed.co.uk/blog/two-years-one-family-endless-hope/

09/06/2026

Karen England from the OperaBabes was featured last night on ITV Central News East and West Midlands, speaking about her upcoming concert raising vital funds for First Steps ED.

Karen reflected on the intense body image pressures she faced in the music industry, from being told to diet before photoshoots to seeing her body airbrushed on album artwork.

Our CEO, Daniel Magson, was also interviewed, highlighting the sharp rise in demand for eating disorder support, and why First Steps ED is committed to campaigning for safer online spaces and supporting those affected.

The concert will raise vital funds to help First Steps ED continue supporting individuals, families and communities affected by eating disorders and disordered eating.

Date: 19/06/2026
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: Derby Cathedral
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/youll-never-walk-alone-operababes-charity-concert-tickets-1984775625324?aff=oddtdtcreator

You can watch the full interview here: https://www.itv.com/watch/news/you-can-only-eat-apples-from-now-operababes-star-on-fame-body-image-and-eating-disorders/wh351mg

Watch the latest from ITV News - In an exclusive interview, Karen England speaks out for the first time about the toxic body image pressures of the 90s compared to now.

08/06/2026

💜 Skills for Carers – Supporting You This

Caring for someone with an eating disorder can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Our Skills for Carers workshops are designed to give parents, carers and siblings practical tools, guidance and a supportive space to help you feel more confident in supporting a loved one.

📅 Dates available now (limited spaces for June and July)
Make a referral: https://firststepsed.co.uk/services-and-support/support-for-parentandcarers/

05/06/2026