Main points of support
The NHS has a well written guide to the different types of eating disorders, symptoms and warning signs and how to get help
SEEDS South East Eating Disorders Scotland is a NHS website which provides useful information on the services and contact details in the Borders, Fife, Forth Valley and Lothian areas and the Regional Eating Disorders Unit at St John’s Hospital, Livingston.
Mind provides helpful information on eating problems, including possible causes and how you can access treatment and support. It includes tips for helping yourself, and guidance for friends and family.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists website contains information on a variety of mental health problems, including eating disorders. They also provide good advice on talking to your GP about a mental health problem.
F.E.A.S.T a global support and education community for parents of those suffering from an eating disorder, have produced a Guide “Up to the Plate” to the importance of nutrition for understanding and treating eating disorders.
Other charities and support organisations
We have good relationships with a number of excellent charities and organisations providing support to people with eating disorders and their parents or carers in different areas of the UK. Their websites also contain some helpful information and handy tips:
NEEDS (North East Eating Disorders Support Scotland) which runs support meetings in Aberdeen and via Bridging the Gap in Dundee.
SEED which is an eating disorder charity based in Hull and East Riding in Yorkshire, providing a wide range of support services.
Eating Matters which is a Norfolk charity offering counselling for people with mild to moderate eating disorders in the community.
First Steps ED an eating disorder charity in Derby providing eating disorders services for people and families in the East Midlands.
SWEDA Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association provide support to anyone affected by eating disorders.
Wednesday’s Child is a social enterprise business determined to make a difference to the lives of those with an eating disorder.
ABC is a national UK eating disorders organisation with over 30 years of experience. We are passionate about people and recovery.
Emergency helplines
In the event of a medical emergency, if someone is seriously ill or injured, and their life is at risk, call 999.
NHS 24 is an online and out-of-hours phone service for Scotland providing access to health advice and information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You should call if your regular NHS service is closed and you are too ill to wait until it re-opens, or you need health information or reassurance about what to do. Your call will be directed to a suitable health professional. You can access urgent mental health services and crisis teams through NHS 24. Phone free on: 111
Beat has a variety of helplines
Helpline: 0808 801 0677
Studentline: 0808 801 0811
Youthline: 0808 801 0711
Their helplines are open 365 days a year from 12pm–8pm during the week, and 4pm–8pm on weekends and bank holidays.
The Samaritans offer free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for anyone experiencing feelings of distress and despair. You can talk to them about anything, whenever you need to, by calling free from any phone on 116 123. Alternatively their UK national line is: 08457 90 90 90 and your call will be charged at the local rate for ‘0845’ numbers or they can provide details of their local branches.
Breathing Space Scotland is a free, confidential phone line service for anyone in need of someone to talk to. The phone line operates from Monday to Thursday: 6pm–2am, and Friday to Monday: 6pm–6am. Call: 0800 83 85 87.
Do you need help?
Seeking help is first and best thing you can do if you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder. Our volunteers are here to listen and provide the support you need.