Group meetings
We meet on the first Monday of the month to share experiences, in a safe and confidential setting, and to offer each other support whilst looking towards recovery.
Those who attend often find that they share many common experiences, which can be discussed with others. It can make a big difference to know that someone else knows and understands what you are feeling.
Each meeting begins with a welcome and informal discussion. Following this, sufferers and carers form separate groups, each with a facilitator of appropriate experience.
Speakers are invited regularly to give presentations on a variety of topics. Group members are encouraged to make suggestions. Sharing time still takes place on these evenings after the speaker’s session.
We have a library of informative and helpful books and CDs for members to borrow. We ask that these return to us within two months.
Raise awareness of eating disorders
We aim to raise awareness of eating disorders within the wider community, through presence at open days, Freshers’ Week, by invitation at schools and displays during national Eating Disorder Awareness Week
NEEDS(Scotland) also supports and promotes the development of other self help groups assisting those affected by eating disorders in Scotland.
Our facilitators are all volunteers and aim to keep up to date with developments and research in the filed of eating disorders by attendance at relevant conferences, close contact with the local (NHS) Eating Disorder Service and professional supervisory support from a clinical psychiatrist.
We work closely with SEDIG (Scottish Easting Disorders Interest Group) to promote and advance knowledge and understanding of eating disorders and how they affect sufferers and their families and friends.
Fundraise
Over the past ten years, we have had some very successful fundraising events such as
- Jazzercise Fun Day and Disco
- Subsea7/Venture fundraising events
- Runners in the Baker Hughes 10k
- Poetry reading evening
- Ceilidh
- Musical evening
- Buffet/Disco with raffle
- Football Testimonial
- Marks and Spencers “Charity of the Month” and bag pack
We have had some personal donations too, which we really appreciate, and also some schools competing in the Youth Philanthropy Initiative have raised funds on our behalf.
Since we rely solely on donations, we really appreciate all the help we can get!
Please think about fundraising on our behalf…..every little counts!
Some ideas to inspire you
- Car boot sale at Thainstone
- Disco
- Book Sale
- Sponsored Walk
- Sponsored Silence
- Firewalk
- Race Night
Maintain Library
Due to generous donations and fundraising over the past two years, we have been able to update and develop our resources, which now include a comprehensive library of books, pamphlets, and CDs. As well as the various eating disorders, topics covered include
- Mindfulness
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Self Esteem
- Relaxation
- Body Image
- Recovery
- Overcoming fear
- Aids to sleep
- Self Harm
In the past, many of our resources have disappeared. Perhaps group members have forgotten they had taken them on loan, and moved on with their lives. If anyone discovers that they have any of our resources, we would appreciate them being returned to us whenever you can.
To try to avoid the losses we have introduced a deposit system, where group members pay a deposit of either £5 or £10, depending on the value of the resource. The deposit is refundable on its safe return. We ask that you only keep the resources for 2-3 months maximum.
If you find something particularly helpful, we would appreciate you writing a short review in the comments box below.
Resourceful
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