Chairperson’s Report 2026

It has been the quietest year yet for us, which is disappointing. We know there is still a
huge need for those challenged by eating disorders and their carers. Enquiries regularly
come in, but there seems to be a reluctance to attend, or to continue to attend. Our
dedicated team of administrator and volunteer facilitators still show up every month and
people do come along, but now it tends to be in twos and threes, whereas in past years
we have not had enough seating! It is disheartening for our volunteers, but we live in hope
that more people desperate for support will see the benefits of sharing the highs and lows
of recovery from these challenging illnesses.

Are we visible enough in the community?
In previous years, we have been involved in The Wood Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy
Initiative in Secondary Schools raising awareness of our charity through pupils’
presentations on socially based charities. Unfortunately fewer schools appear to be going
forward for this now. We also no longer have a presence at Fresher Fayres as there is now
a substantial charge for a stand. Although we do have a presence on social media, these
factors have meant that our visibility in the community has decreased substantially. We
have to ask ourselves, is publicity our problem or has the decline in numbers come about
due to those in need feeling much less confident since Covid? There is more support
available online, which may also have affected our numbers.

Our volunteers must now try and find a way forward whilst continuing to support those
who do attend. Every single group member and their carers remain very important to us.

Many thanks to our administrator Irene for her support over the past year, and to The
North of Scotland Managed Clinical Network who continue to offer their support where
they can, but most of all, the biggest thank you must go to our volunteers who turn up
every month to support those who desperately want to leave their eating disorder behind
them.