History

First Steps Derbyshire was founded in January 2004 By Cathy Cleary and run by a smallgroup of volunteers with first had experience of Eating disorders. The small self help group held 2 groups per month and provided members and their families with support, encouragement and information on how they could begin to change their lives and take control of their disordered eating behaviours.


Since then we have grown and developed into a registered charity employing 5 people and recruiting more than 30 active volunteers. We now hold eight self help groups per month and the Thursday group  includes support for families and friends.


It is very difficult for anyone to admit that they have an eating, exercise, or body image problem and asking for help and support is very difficult. <?xml:namespace prefix = o />


We understand that the “first steps” towards seeking help are filled with fear and anxiety. Finding and getting the right support is essential for lasting recovery. At First Steps there are a variety of options available, group support, one to one support, nutritional support, drama therapy, Hypno therapy, yoga and relaxation, arts classes, one to one support, befriending, online support/forums and facebook groups.


  Because we have first hand experience of eating disorders – First Steps Derbyshire can:


 

Help you to feel less isolated and more understood,

Help you to understand why this condition has affected you

Helpyou to work on managing it and finally beating it.

 

Understand how difficult it can be to speak to anyone about your eating difficulty or disorder.

Understand the shame, guilt and embarrassment associated with the condition and the great lengths taken to keep it

hidden from family and friends.

Understand how Food can be your best fiend and worst enemy and how it takescontrol of your life to the point where you

can think of nothing but food.

 

First Steps Derbyshire is run by trained, professional and dedicated people who have the desire to raise Awareness and

Understanding of eating difficulties and disorders.  We work towards influencing policies and procedures and campaign

for the development of specialist services to help those whose lives are affected by these conditions.

 

First Steps  wish you all the very best in working towards your new life, a life free from the control of food. No matter how bad it

seems never quit trying to beat Eating Disorders because one day you may and that feeling is Truly worth the hard work

and effort. Do not be afraid to take the first steps toward your recovery as you are not alone.

 

Catherine Cleary

October 2009