First Steps ED

Imagine struggling with an eating disorder, feeling isolated and misunderstood. The secrecy, fear, and shame create barriers that are hard to break down, while the pressure of navigating everyday life becomes overwhelming. This is the reality for thousands across the UK. That’s where First Steps ED steps in, transforming lives.

First Steps ED isn’t just a charity—it’s a lifeline. We provide compassionate support and expert guidance that empowers individuals to open up about their struggles, breaking down the barriers created by eating disorders. At First Steps ED, we offer a comprehensive range of support, including 1-to-1 counselling, psychotherapy, peer support services, befriending, and educational workshops. We are passionate about partnership, working closely with health and education sectors to provide timely, coordinated care. Through our service-user-led, co-production approach, we ensure that the voices and experiences of those we support shape our services, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment within our community.

 In schools and workplaces, First Steps ED is changing the conversation around eating disorders. We equip teachers and educators with the tools to recognise early signs and provide support, ensuring that individuals receive the help they need before the disorder takes a stronger hold.

Our charity addresses the severe health impacts of eating disorders, offering access to vital support networks, therapy, and recovery resources. It’s not just about treating the illness—it’s about restoring hope, mental well-being, and physical health.

First Steps ED saves lives by providing a path to recovery and a healthier future for many across the UK. Through education, awareness, and support, we strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive no matter their age, gender or background.

At First Steps ED, our team is a mix of professionals and people with lived experience, all dedicated to supporting those affected by eating disorders. We put people first, shaping our services around their needs and voices.  Our team includes staff, placement students, and volunteers who create a welcoming and understanding environment. Many of those we support go on to become befrienders, volunteers, and even team members, highlighting the value of lived experience in our work.

Our customers are those in need of support and those that want to support us through charitable donations, fundraising, skills swaps and prop bono work.

We have 6 Management Committee members, 40 part-time staff, 30 full-time staff, and 55 amazing volunteers from all backgrounds—some with personal experience, others from healthcare, education, and beyond. They all share a passion for helping others.

First Steps ED has been present within the Derby community for 20 years, however, has been inactive within the Business Community for the past few years. We want to change that. First Steps ED is an amazing charity supporting thousands of people each year, and we want to use the opportunity of being a Bondholder to shine a light on what we do, ensure people know we are here to support them, and to increase our financial support so that we can deliver more services to more people affected.

Having previously been members, we are glad to be rejoining.

From First Steps ED’s perspective, businesses in Derby play a vital role in shaping a future that is not only economically strong but also inclusive and supportive of community well-being.

As businesses grow and expand, we hope to see more emphasis on mental health awareness, workplace well-being, and CSR. There is an opportunity for businesses to create environments that prioritise employee mental health and support charities like ours in tackling eating disorders. We’re excited to see businesses working more closely with charities, schools, and healthcare providers to ensure Derby’s future is one where both economic success and community well-being go hand in hand.