Eating Disorders Support Group Dundee

Eating Disorder Support Meeting Aberdeen Dundee

Update on Eating Disorder (ED) Support Meeting Dates and Locations

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Unfortunately, due to an ongoing shortage of ED experienced volunteers and also a problem with staffing at the group’s venue, we cannot hold meetings in Dundee at present. However, should you wish to travel to Aberdeen, you would be most welcome to attend our group sessions.


Supported Scotland run face to face meetings currently in Kirkcaldy and in St Andrews.
Next meetings are:

DateLocation
25th June 2024Kirkcaldy
11th July 2024St Andrews
23rd July 2024Kirkcaldy
1st August 2024St Andrews

Please go to their website to register and for further details
https://supportedscotland.org/get-in-touch/

Chairperson's Report

Chairperson’s Report 2024

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2023/24 has been a strange year. Attendances have not recovered as expected despite continuing enquiries about attending the group. The most likely reason for this is the growth of online support, which is much easier to access for those who find an evening slot difficult to manage or for those in rural areas. This is great, but we still feel that face to face meetings provide something more, and the opportunity to offer a helping hand or a hug if needed.

Although attendances are down, the same level of support is offered, with our personally experienced volunteers sharing the highs and lows of their recovery experiences. This is very highly valued by our group members.

Recently we had a Beat Lived Experience Ambassador come and talk about her recovery experience. She spoke from the heart, was inspirational and much appreciated by everyone.

Since our present numbers do not justify holding a Wellbeing Day, we continued to offer a voucher for a complementary therapy for our regular attenders. This was again very well received and appreciated.

We continue to have quarterly visits from Jake our Therapet who always brings a smile to our faces. He is such a chilled out gentleman!

We have also continued to be represented in our local schools’ Youth Philanthropy Initiative competitions. Two teams from Bucksburn Academy chose to represent us. Although neither group won this time, these presentations raise awareness of eating disorders in our school communities and are very valuable.

Sadly, our satellite group Bridging the Gap remains closed due to lack of premises and shortage of volunteers. Should it be able to resume, we will put a post on our website news page.

This year marks 30 years since two young women approached their church in Westhill requesting a room to offer support to anyone challenged by an eating disorder. Dr Harry Millar, who was the lead clinician for Eating Disorders in Aberdeen at that time found rooms for them to use at the Royal Cornhill Hospital where NEEDS(Scotland) still hold their meetings. We still enjoy the support of the services, NHS Grampian, NHS Tayside and also the North of Scotland Managed Clinical Network. We would like to thank everyone for their support over the years and as we move forward.

Thanks also go to our dedicated volunteers at home and abroad, our website designer, and our amazing administrator who always has a smile and a warm welcome for our group members.

We make our way through our thirtieth year with renewed dedication to supporting our group members through the recovery process, and hopefully encouraging more people to come along and sample what NEEDS(Scotland) has to offer.

Heather Cassie April 2024.

Welcome

Inspiring Journeys: A Glimpse into Recovery with Beat Lived Experience Ambassador Claire and the Impact of Support Groups at NEEDS(Scotland)

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This month, our NEEDS(Scotland) community was fortunate to welcome Claire, a Beat Lived Experience Ambassador, who generously shared her inspiring journey toward recovery. Claire’s presence was a catalyst for meaningful conversations, sparking introspection and inspiration among both individuals personally challenged by eating disorders and their dedicated caregivers.

Claire, with unwavering honesty, walked us through the twists and turns of her recovery journey, creating a space where everyone felt comfortable asking questions. Her openness was a powerful reminder of the importance of sharing these stories, turning them into beacons of hope for those navigating their own paths to wellness.

We extend our gratitude to Beat for training and supporting such remarkable individuals. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with four Beat Young Ambassadors who, as volunteer facilitators, have become beacons of hope for our group members and carers alike.

At NEEDS(Scotland), we meet on the first Monday of each month at the Macrobin Centre, Royal Cornhill Hospital. As a grassroots charity, we offer face-to-face sessions for adults facing eating disorders and also carers of both adults and young people. Our volunteer facilitators, who share personal experiences as either survivors or caregivers, foster a safe and confidential environment.

We are immensely thankful to Claire for dedicating her time and sharing her journey towards good health. Her presence at our sharing sessions, split between those personally challenged by eating disorders and their caring supporters, was an invaluable bonus.

If you believe you or a loved one could benefit from our sessions, we extend a warm welcome. Reach out to our administrator via our contact form or leave a message at 01224 557672. This is an answer service, but our administrator will return your call.

Your journey matters. You are not alone.

Jar of happy memoriesResourceful

Journeying Through December and Building a Jar of Joy

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The end of a year is a time for getting together with family and friends to celebrate the holiday season.
It can be daunting with its festive gatherings and abundance of food, however, it’s essential to recognise
that this period is just a few days in the grand scheme of the year.


Acknowledging your concerns and sharing them with a trusted friend or family member can be a valuable
step. Also, having someone to help you plan ahead as to what you could have, will help to ease any anxieties.


As we approach the year’s end and reflect on the journey of the past months, it’s crucial to embrace the
idea that progress is continuous, even in the face of setbacks. Starting afresh in the new year offers an
opportunity to cultivate a positive mindset. Consider kickstarting your year, by keeping a daily journal of
uplifting moments. These moments could be real achievements or simple joys—a heartfelt triumph, a
meeting with someone special or a walk in the countryside.


Create a ritual by jotting down these positive experiences each day and place each one in a dedicated
box or jar. By the close of 2024, you’ll have a container filled with happy memories to reflect on. This will
not only serve as a testament to your personal growth but also provide you with a tangible reminder of
the positivity and resilience within you.


Remember, the journey toward recovery is unique for each individual and the holiday season is just a
quick snapshot in the album of your year. Celebrate the victories, no matter how small and surround
yourself with a support system that uplifts you during challenging moments. You have the strength to
overcome obstacles, and each step forward, no matter how small, contributes to the remarkable story of
your resilience and progress.


Wishing everyone a very happy and relaxed festive season, and best wishes for the coming year,
from everyone at NEEDS(Scotland).


Our next meeting is on Monday 8th January 2024 at 7.30 pm

Eating Disorder Support Meeting Aberdeen Dundee

Dundee meeting news

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Unfortunately Bridging the Gap is still unable to meet as there is an ongoing problem with evening staffing at the Dundee Carers’ Centre. We will advise everyone when meetings can resume. However, all those seeking support in the Dundee area are very welcome to attend meetings in Aberdeen on the first Monday of each month.

Conversations

Update on meetings for group members and carers

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Wishing everyone a very belated happy New Year and hoping that at last, we can see some light at the end of the Covid 19 tunnel. We continue to have face to face groups in meeting rooms above Cafe Credo in Aberdeen city centre. There are two groups, one for adults with any eating disorder and one for carers of anyone with an eating disorder. These meetings continue to be held on the first Monday of every month at 7.30pm. The dates for the next two meetings are

Monday 7th March

Monday 4th April

Entry to the meeting rooms is to the left hand side of the entrance to the cafe. Places still need to be booked through our administrator beforehand. We are currently in discussion with Cornhill Hospital regarding our return to the Macrobin Centre, and will keep everyone informed via our website and email.

Bridging the Gap in Dundee hope to resume their meetings as soon as possible. Our administrator will confirm this by email and also on this web page.

NEEDS(Scotland) is a self help group who value the opportunity to share experiences in a welcoming and caring setting. All our volunteers have experience of eating disorders either personally or as carers. Some people attend regularly every month and others prefer to come along for extra support when necessary. If you have only just found our website, do please come along and feel the benefits of shared support and the knowledge that you are not alone.

2021 Christmas

Christmas Greetings 2021

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I can’t believe it is December once more, and we are getting closer to the festive season. Once again Covid means that we may be facing some restrictions, but some gatherings will certainly go ahead. This may mean that some of our group members may be feeling apprehensive. It would be good if you can share your worries with someone, either a friend, loved one, or perhaps the online/telephone support at www.beatingeatingdisorders.org.uk.

Decide what you are having to eat beforehand if you can. If that’s not possible, don’t worry. Try and make sure you have someone on hand to give you support if you need it. Remember, an eating disorder is like a bully, it does not take kindly to you having friends and family to help out. Some of you may not have as much support as others, but remember, Christmas is only one day, and it too will pass. Don’t worry, you are doing well and you will get there!

If you are a carer, try to help your loved one plan what they’re eating well ahead of the event and then focus more on the other Christmas activities such as, a walk in the fresh air, the present opening session, Christmas movies and games, or even caring for pets. Animals can be very therapeutic.

….. and something to look forward to ……

A team from Peterhead Academy chose to represent our charity for their school’s Youth Philanthropy Initiative and won £3000 for us!! This means that we can plan another Wellbeing Day with workshops and complementary therapies to be enjoyed by our group members and their carers. Many thanks go to the winning team for all their hard work and also for raising awareness of eating disorders in their school. We really do appreciate it.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year from everyone at NEEDS(Scotland).

“Asking for help isn’t giving up,” said the horse, “It’s refusing to give up.”

Christmas Greetings 2020

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We know that the festive season is a challenging time for those with eating disorders and their families, but this year with the pandemic, it is even more so. You will get through this by taking a little step at a time, and being kind to yourself. Everyone at NEEDS(Scotland) wishes our group members and their loved ones the best Christmas they can have, and hopefully in the New Year we can look to the longer days and Spring bulbs. Although we cannot hold our usual group meetings, we can direct you to telephone and or online support through the national eating disorders charity Beat at www.beateatingdisorders.org

Merry Christmas, best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year and remember,

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” Unknown

“I can’t see a way through, said the boy,

“Can you see the next step?”

“Yes.”

“Just take that.” said the horse.

“What else do you think?” said the boy.

“I think you are doing better than you think.”said the horse.

“Asking for help isn’t giving up,” said the horse, “It’s refusing to give up.”

Charlie Mackesy

support

Beat extends helpline hours and support services to help people affected by eating disorders

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Hello everyone,
Due to the very high demand for support during lockdown, the national charity Beat have expanded their support services on the telephone and online. They were fortunate to secure National Lottery funding to enable them to do this. As our usual group meetings continue to be suspended, we hope that one of the following Beat support services may suit your needs.

  • Bolster – a telephone coaching service for sufferers
  • Nexus – a telephone advice and coaching service for carers supporting their loved one.
  • Solace – a peer-supported video group for carers, facilitated by experienced eating disorder clinicians.
  • Raising Resilience – a new workshop for anyone caring for someone with an eating disorder, so they can learn the skills to help their loved one towards recovery.
  • Extended Helpline opening hours – the Helpline, which covers phone calls, one-to-one webchat, email and online peer support groups 

For more detailed information, you can read more here about how Coronavirus has impacted those affected by an eating disorder and how Beat are able to help.

Stay safe and well everyone, and we hope to see you as soon as we can.

climb a hill instead

Another poem to help you through the days ahead

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The Mountain

If the mountain seems too big today

then climb a hill instead.

If the morning brings you sadness

it’s ok to stay in bed.

If the day ahead weighs heavy

and your plans feel like a curse,

there’s no shame in re-arranging,

don’t make yourself feel worse.

If a shower stings like needles

and a bath feels like you’ll drown,

if you haven’t washed your hair for days,

don’t throw away your crown.

A day is not a lifetime

a rest is not defeat,

don’t think of it as failure,

just a quiet, kind retreat.

It’s ok to take a moment

from an anxious, fractured mind,

the world will not stop turning

while you get realigned.

The mountain will still be there

when you want to try again,

you can climb it in your own time,

just love yourself ’til then.

by Laura Ding-Edwards