Eating disorder recovery is tough especially while on a waiting list. To support you through this I have collated a list of UK Charities and free online resources that you can utilise while you are waiting.
Charity support
Talk ED offer a befriending service, you self-refer via an online form and can access a peer support worker. This is someone who has gone through eating disorder recovery themselves and can be a good place to connect with someone who understands what you are going through and gain encouragement. Peer supporters are not able to offer dietary or medical advice.
SEED stands for Support and Empathy for people with Eating Disorders, and is a charity based in Hull that offers local support but also support to those in other areas. They do in person and online support groups and carers groups. They also offer messaging service ran by volunteers.
BEAT is the UK’s largest Eating Disorder charity, they offer online support, peer support groups as well as training and support for carers.
They offer 1-1 support for people with Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder who are on waiting lists.
See the full list of services here
Hub of hope is a service finder that allows you to search your postcode to see which services you may be able to access, this includes charities as well as private sector. You can filter your search on the website.
Black Minds Matter UK is a charity that aims to connect Black individuals and families with free mental health services which are delivered by professional Black therapists. You complete an online form and if eligible you may be able to get 12 weeks of funded therapy.
Online resources
BEAT have some top tips for recovery, they have a page of recovery stories which are really inspiring. They also have some self-help resources.
The charity Mind also has some great self help resources for recovery.
CCI is an Australian charity that produce resources for health professionals but they also have a range of self-help resources.
Eva Musby is a parent who has been through recovery with her child. Musby produces some excellent resources, with emphasis on parent support. There are several free help sheets and Musby offers resources in a range of languages. Musby also has a youtube channel with helpful videos for parents.
Workbooks
Workbooks are not an alternative to necessary professional support for eating disorder recovery but can be a great adjunct. (Apologies these are not free).
Here are two that I really like:
The Compassionate Mind workbook by Elaine Beaumont and Chris Irons
The Eating Disorder recovery journal by Cara Lisette
Other tips
Take the first step. If you haven’t already the most important first step is telling someone else how you are feeling about food. This could be your GP or someone you trust.
Give yourself meaningful distractions, hobbies and projects to avoid your life being consumed by the eating disorder.
Curate your social media feed, social media has been shown to play a role in our body image and eating habits. It is very important to be aware of how the content we consume makes us feel and unfollow anyone who makes us feel bad. It may be worth considering spending less time on social media, as those who use social media less tend to have better mental health. It can also be used as a tool for motivation in recovery by following accounts from health professionals and people who have recovered. I would recommend avoiding following people who are also going through recovery as sometimes this can lead to unhelpful comparisons.
If you are on a waiting list and want more information about how a private dietitian could help you to start your recovery then you can get in touch with me here. Or if you want to have a chat on the phone then you can book a call below.
Best wishes,
Sophie
Registered Dietitian and Eating Disorder Specialist
