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Calm Scottish sea loch viewed from the shore under a bright blue sky, symbolising peace and reflection.

Chairperson’s Report 2026

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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.

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

Mindfulness

Wellbeing Day 3 success

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Here are some photos from our recent Wellbeing Day held at the Inspire Building on the Beach Boulevard.

Workshops were Bodytalk with Francine Dulong from BodyGossip and Laughter Yoga with Helen Spence. Claire from me2you nails created some very stylish nails. Taster complementary therapies were also available including, Shiatsu, massage, reflexology, and reiki.

This was a free event, the result of Albyn School’s winning presentation in their YPI competition resulting in a £3000 donation to NEEDS(Scotland).

The photos include some of the group mimes of situations which help us read, and situations where we feel stressed and uncomfortable.

There are also photos of the timeline we created together of happy and sad events in our lives.

You can also see photos of Helen Spence leading the Laughter Yoga session and an example of Claire’s nail painting skills.

It was a great day, which left everyone very relaxed, chilled and looking forward to the next Wellbeing Day!

Coming-of-Age Ceilidh

Coming of Age Ceilidh

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NEEDS(Scotland) held a coming of age ceilidh on April 3rd 2015 at Aberdeen University’s Elphinstone Hall. This celebration was organised by three of our young volunteers, Natasha Vickers, Emma Lindsay and Katie Bedford, and was very well attended.

Our group have now been supporting people struggling with an eating disorder and their friends and families for 21 years in the north-east, beginning in Westhill and Keith and coming together in Aberdeen in 2003.

The girls organised some fundraisers such as a bake sale and a leg waxing session for their partners, as well as a raffle on the night and auction of a gent’s watch and a pearl necklace. Our thanks must go to those who donated gifts or vouchers to the raffle including

Finnies the Jeweller
Just Gems of Cults
Northern Diamond Jeweller
Nova
Ishoka Hair and Beauty

The excellent ceilidh band ensured that the floor was always packed, and a very efficient “caller” ensured that we mastered the moves of each dance. We are very grateful to Aberdeen University Students’ Association’s Raising and Giving Campaign for covering our expenses on this occasion.

Coming-of-Age Ceilidh lads

Inspiring Volunteering Achievement Award logo

Scotland’s Beat Young Ambassadors win awards

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NEEDS(Scotland) are delighted to announce that two of our volunteer facilitators, Katie Bedford and Emma Lindsey are part of the team of Beat Young Ambassadors in Scotland which was selected to receive an Inspiring Volunteering Achievement Award.

The award will be presented to two representatives by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh at the City Chambers. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday 16th June 2015 at 6.30pm followed by a drinks reception.This award ceremony is organised by Volunteer Centre Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Compact Partnership.

We have our fingers crossed for Katie and Emma to be the chosen representatives, but Sara Preston, Beat’s Young Peoples’ Participation Officer in Scotland, has arranged a celebration social day for all the Young Ambassadors on the following weekend so they can all receive their awards together.

Both Katie and Emma work tirelessly for NEEDS(Scotland) as well as for Beat, despite commitments to work and study respectively. Both are involved as supervised “buddies” for the Young Persons’ Department, and both were involved in the organisation of our Celebration Ceilidh last month at Elphinstone Hall. Girls, we salute you! Congratulations! A well deserved award.