"I had been having weekly therapy sessions for a few weeks when my therapist suggested to me that I attend First Steps, at first I was horrified by the idea, there was no way I was going! Gradually with time I got up the courage to attend a meeting and I feel it was one of the most important steps I have taken so far I my recovery. Walking into the room for the first time and seeing a room full of unfamiliar faces was daunting to begin with, but everyone was so friendly I soon felt more at ease.

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The Hollywood Ball was amazing. Well done, what a great success. Everything was perfect. I had a lovely nigh, had a nice meal, enjoyed the dancing, met fantastic people and hopefully showed my partner that what FS does is important, that FS makes the difference for so many people, helps the cares and makes the sufferers feel not alone anymore. I am really lucky to have met you.

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I really enjoyed dramatherapy as it was an interesting journey of self discovery! It was really nice to have the other people in the room with you, and you could talk, and be open and honest about things with people and not have them judge you and they were all totaly understanding! Dramatherapy helped me to understand that i don't have to be this pretend person anymore, it has helped me to let down this mask i put up, even if its just for a few minuites in front of them, which is a really big achievement for me - to be my true self in front of people!

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“I’m doing well! I’m back in the USA, I’m so happy I got to meet the group while I was there! YALL ROCK!! I’m def coming back so I can see everyone; y'all really did make a huge impact in my life and helped me to look inside of myself!”

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“First Steps was a lifeline for me when my daughter first admitted that she had an eating problem. It was so lucky that I read an article in the local paper which had a contact number.  Cathy and Danielle were very supportive and welcomed me and both my daughters to the support group.
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"I've been having problems with my eating for a number of years now, & only found out about 'First Steps' quite recently.  At first I was contemplating going along to a session, but was never able to find the courage to go along, & as a result I kept putting it off.  One week, I made myself go along to a Thursday evening group session & was surprised at how friendly & welcoming everyone in the group was.

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"First Steps is a brilliant service for people suffering from eating disorders.  If you want to get better and are willing to help yourself there are many options available to you.  All of the support workers are lovely, wonderful people, most having recovered from or experienced eating disorders themselves.  They are an inspiration to what life can be like after beating this destroying illness.  First Steps have tried their best to help me.

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"Just over a year ago I was referred to First Steps.  It was a huge relief to talk with people who actually understand how I feel.  Also, as I deteriorated, it was the Young Person's Coordinator who fought for me to access the support I needed, which was inpatient treatment.  While I was an inpatient, First Steps kept in touch via internet, text and letters - the group made me lots of motivational posters for my wall - and they also visited me.  Having recently come out of inpatient treatment, it is a very difficult transition time and

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"Thank you to the volunteers at First Steps who have given me support via email, it is nice to know that other people can understand how I am feeling and how difficult it can be to be recover. I felt very lonely for a long time on my own with this illness and it is comforting to know I can email First Steps and get a constructive and positive answer which helps me get through my day. I haven’t had the courage to go to the group sessions but hope to one day."

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“I thought that it was amazing to see a group of people looking genuinely happy and smiling so much at the end of the session.”

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