Eating Disorders Support Group Dundee
Another Scottish support group is going to start up a Zoom support group on every Wednesday in July for anyone over 18 who is challenged by an eating disorder. Our administrator has the details and will be emailing all our group members shortly. If you do not receive these details, please email Irene.
I found this poem whilst looking through some folders. It provides a light during these strange times when many of you may feel this lockdown to be a real challenge. We can’t be with you at the moment, but all our volunteers are thinking of all our group members and their carers and wish you well.
Hope
spreads its butterfly wings
tentatively, cautiously
it takes its flight.
Delicate, beautiful fragility
it dances in the morning breeze.
Hope
rays of colour, light
glimpses of a brighter day
enjoy its touch
feel the caress
breeze caused by butterfly wings
Hope
not to be clutched at
do not grasp it too tightly
afraid to let it go,
Life continues, hope remains,
seen or unseen the dance goes on.
Hope
the butterfly emerges
at times drawing near
other times tantalisingly out of reach.
Fragile yet battling even the strongesr
breeze,
Not easily destroyed.
Hope
can you see it?
Can you feel it?
Open your eyes
welcome it here
hope comes
in the beat of butterfly wings.
by Kate (2005)
As you will all now know our monthly group meetings are now suspended until further notice due to the Coronavirus outbreak. We will follow government guidelines as to when these meetings will resume. Until then, we refer all our group members to the Beat website at www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk for any support they may require. There are various helpful topics and also helplines and ED specific online support groups.
If anyone is in crisis and needs to speak with someone there is a service called 1st response run by Penumbra which is a telephone and email based service due to the current climate. It is open Mon-Fri 9-5pm. If you live in Aberdeen and are over 16 the number is 0800 234 3695 or email aberdeen1stresponse@penumbra.org.uk
There is also Breathing Space at www.breathingspace.scot
One publication which is very helpful, and accessible to all is at www.engagerenfrewshire.com Under the heading Coronavirus information, scroll down and you will find Support for Individuals. Scroll down from there and almost at the bottom, there is a Corona Anxiety Download. This is a 16 page document which is very informative and useful.
This is a quote from Colie Taico, a North Carolina based psychotherapist,
“Don’t let this pandemic stand in your way. You can do this. One step at a time. ”
Some of the advice she gives in The Huffington Post includes
Be compassionate with yourself. It’s normal for eating disorder thoughts to creep back in during stressful times.
Remember that eating disorder behaviours don’t actually solve any problems- and, in fact, make things worse.
Don’t let old eating disorders thoughts prevent you from buying what you need at the supermarket.
Establish a routine to help keep eating disorder thoughts at bay.
Stay digitally connected to friends, loved ones and online support systems.
Remind yourself that recovery is a very worthwhile process and that you’re so much more than an eating disorder.
One book of illustrations which is really uplifting is The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy. You can view some of his drawings or buy the book through his website
All the volunteer facilitators at NEEDS(Scotland) hope that everyone stays safe and well and we look forward to meeting you all again when we can.
All the volunteers at NEEDS(Scotland) both in Dundee and in Aberdeen hope that everyone had a peaceful and relaxed festive season. We are now in a new year, and also a new decade. Many people make resolutions, look back and look forward, some with confidence, some with anxiety. For those of you who are following the road to recovery from an eating disorder, or supporting someone who is, here are some inspiring quotes to help you look forward to your personal goal.
NEEDS(Scotland) strive to help adults challenged by eating disorders and their carers towards recovery. One way we can do this is by promoting wellbeing in a variety of ways. We are very fortunate to have a new volunteer who uses her skills as a trained massage therapist, as well as volunteering as a facilitator. She has very kindly offered short sessions of chair based massage on selected group nights, and has also offered sessions at our recent Wellbeing Day. Massage can aid relaxation and offer our group members some time for themselves. We are very appreciative of all our volunteers, and especially grateful for any skills which they may share.
Wellbeing class – Build your confidence with this beginner’s class at Aberdeen Sports Village each Tuesday afternoon.
Due to lack of facilitators we will unfortunately have to cancel the July group on Wednesday 10th.
Our next group night will be Wednesday 14th August at usual time and venue.
We apologise for any inconvenience & look forward to seeing you in August.
Kind regards
Bridging the Gap
Next years SEDIG Carer’s Conference will take place on Saturday 9th February 2019 at The Edinburgh Training & Conference Venue, St. Mary’s Street, Edinburgh. Should you wish to attend, NEEDS(Scotland) will pay your conference fee. Please let our Administrator know if you sign up for this event and pass on the receipt for your fee in order for you to be re-imbursed.
The Highland Eating Disorders Service are holding some meetings for carers over the next couple of months to help them develop their coping skills when they are helping a loved one through their recovery. If you are keen to attend, please note the contact number given on the poster.
There is also some interest on starting a carers support group based in Inverness. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer facilitator, could you please contact the service using the number given. There is no experience required except some knowledge of what it is like to support someone challenged by an eating disorder, and a wish to help others in similar situations.
Click here for more details.
